This overview of Oslo provides a brief insight into the rich culture and history that the capital of Norway has to offer. Leaving the port we will embark on a scenic tour of the main streets and squares of Norway’s main city, and en route we pass some of Oslo’s most important architectural landmarks including the Town Hall, the Parliament, the National Theatre and the Royal Residence. Further on we will stop to visit Vigeland Park, which contains magnificent examples of the work of famed Norwegian sculptor, Gustav Vigeland. Over 150 sculptures are assembled here, and his oeuvres represent the full range of the human lifecycle, depicting all stages of man from birth to old age. Leaving the Park we will head to the hill at Holmenkollen, which provides a panoramic view of Oslo from above, and a chance to take photographs. We will then proceed to Oslo’s modern district, where we will find Oslo’s most contemporary buildings, including the celebrated Oslo Opera House. Home to the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet, this stunning piece of post-modern architecture was only recently completed in 2008; the award-winning structure is built from white Italian marble and characterized by large inclined plateaus. Walk up the sloping banks of this fabulous building to its rooftop, for an expansive view of the attractive harbour. Return to the port. Please note: guests using a wheelchair can take part, but should be aware that several steps lead up to the Opera House roof. The excursion does not include a sightseeing tour of Oslo during the call of the MSC Poesia on 17 May 2013.

Price per person $69.00 Adults $48.00 Children

   

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          The attractive city of Oslo is Norway’s capital and looks back on a rich history going right back to its foundation by King Harald III c. 1048. This culture-based tour begins with a drive-by look at Oslo’s main landmarks in the city centre, which certainly include the Royal Palace, on your way to Frogner Park. Covering an area of some 45 hectares, this super-sized city park also hosts a fabulous collection of art in the so-called “Vigeland Sculpture Arrangement”. This exhibition of sculptural art comprises the lifework of the famous Norwegian sculptor, Gustav Vigeland, and is made up of more than 150 works that represent the full range of the human condition – from birth to death. Vigeland lived from 1869 to 1943 and is also known for having designed the medal that is awarded to winners of the Nobel Peace Prize. The tour then continues on to the nearby Bygdøy peninsula for a first stop at the fascinating Viking Ship Museum, whose copious collection of Viking artefacts includes three authentic longboats dating back to c. 900 to 1,000 A.D.. To round out your Oslo experience, you will also pay a visit to the Kon-Tiki Museum for a look at the famous balsa-wood raft that the legendary Norwegian explorer and zoologist Thor Heyerdahl used to cross the Pacific Ocean in 1969 as well as the reed vessel Heyerdahl used on his Ra II expedition. This maritime experience comes to a close with your return to the port and your ship. Please note: only cameras without a flash are allowed inside the Viking Museum. This tour is not available on 17 May 2013 (MSC Poesia).

Price per person $66.00 Adults $46.00 Children

   

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      Spend a few enjoyable hours off the ship exploring the varied attractions of lovely Oslo, Norway’s capital city. A drive-by tour of Oslo’s main sights makes a fine start to this half-day outing, after which the tour tempo will change to a more sedate pace when you reach Frogner Park. This amazing inner-city recreational area covers a huge 45 hectares and is also home to the wonderful “Vigeland Sculpture Arrangement”. This tribute to the famous Norwegian sculptor, Gustav Vigeland, comprises more than 150 works of art that serve to represent the entire cycle of human life, from infancy to old age. Vigeland lived from 1869 to 1943 and is also noted for having designed the medal awarded to winners of the Nobel Peace Prize. You will then make your way to the Bygdøy peninsula, a part of Oslo city, to visit an open-air museum which features 150 wooden buildings that are representative of the styles common in Norway’s various regions. One of the country's oldest structures, the 13th-century Viking Gol Stave Church, also forms part of the complex. The trip is rounded off with a walk around downtown Oslo, with the option of returning to the ship by coach or staying longer to make your own way back on foot. Please note: only cameras without a flash are allowed inside the houses at the Open Air Museum. This tour is not recommended for guests with walking difficulties or using a wheelchair as it includes periods of walking on uneven and sometimes steep surfaces. This tour is not available on 17 May 2013 (MSC Poesia).

Price per person $62.00 Adults $43.00 Children

   

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      Any passengers weary of tramping city streets can take a welcome break and see the sights of Oslo from the comfort of a tour bus. We will drive past the new Opera House, Akershus Fortress, the Parliament building, the Royal Palace, the National Theatre and the Nobel Institute. Continue through Oslo’s attractive residential areas to Holmenkollen Hill from where you have a fantastic view over the city and the fjord below. The last part of the tour will take us to the Bygdøy peninsula where many of the city’s museums are located. Return to the port. Please note: this tour is not available on 17 May 2013 (MSC Poesia).

Price per person $49.00 Adults $34.00 Children

   

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        This carefully planned itinerary takes you around the key architectural and cultural hotspots of Norway’s capital in just a few hours. Departing from the port, we will head for Oslo’s modern district, home to the city’s most contemporary buildings and to Oslo’s Opera House. Recently completed in 2008, this award-winning structure is built from white Italian marble and characterized by large inclined plateaus. Walk up the sloping banks of this fabulous building to the roof, for an expansive view of the attractive harbour. We will then board a coach for a sightseeing tour of the city, passing the Town Hall, National Theatre and the Royal Residence before reaching the superb Vigeland Park. The Park contains the lifework of the Norwegian sculptor, Gustav Vigeland and is home to over 150 sculptures, which represent the full range of the human life cycle. The tour ends with a break in Oslo’s most fashionable hangout – the newly opened Icebar, the third addition to this city’s collection of ‘cool’ hotspots! Made entirely from ice, the interior temperature is never raised above – 5°. Use this occasion to drink to the good health of your fellow travellers with a glass of iced drink! Please note: this tour is not recommended for children under 6 years old because the temperature inside the Ice Bar is always kept below 0°. Moreover it is not suitable for guests with walking difficulties or using a wheelchair. This tour is not available on 17 May 2013 (MSC Poesia).

Price per person $82.00 Adults $57.00 Children

   

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        Your trip to Oslo’s Museum Centre in Bygdøy begins with a drive-by tour of the city’s main attractions such as the City Hall, the National Theatre and the Royal Palace. A chance to steer remote-controlled boats, a panoramic film of Norway’s beautiful coastline as well as various interesting exhibitions await you at the Norwegian Maritime Museum. Kids can even discover their inner “naval architect” and build their own little boats to take home as a great souvenir. At the Fram Museum, you can then board the ship that has travelled the furthest south and north in the world ever. It was built by Colin Archer in 1892 and was used by the Polar explorers Nansen and Amundsen. An Arctic sound-and-light show plus a go in the Polar simulator – giving you a taste of extreme Arctic temperatures and rough seas – round off your tour. Please note: this tour is recommended to children between 05 and 10 years old. This tour is not available on 17 May 2013 (MSC Poesia).

Price per person $70.00 Adults $49.00 Children

   

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        Having been founded around A.D. 1048 by King Harald III, the city of Oslo is not only Norway’s capital, but also boasts a rich cultural heritage with which this entertaining tour intends to acquaint you. After leaving the pier, a coach will transfer you to your first stop: the huge Frogner Park in the middle of the city. Amid its landscaped greenery, the park houses the “Vigeland Sculpture Arrangement”, an incredible collection of sculptural art created by the Norwegian artist, Gustav Vigeland. Representing the artist’s oeuvre, the 150 works tell the story of the various stages of life – from birth to death. The artist is also noted for having designed the Nobel Peace Prize medal within his lifetime, which began in 1869 and ended in 1943. Next up is the nearby Bygdøy peninsula, where a stop will be made at the Viking Ship Museum. Among the key exhibits of the museum’s collection of Viking artefacts are three authentic longboats that were made around 1,000 years ago. Your ship then awaits you again at the end of the tour. Please note: this tour is only available on 17 May 2013 (MSC Poesia).

Price per person $69.00 Adults $48.00 Children

   

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