1 Day Luxor Highlights

An amazing day out visiting magnificent Luxor, the old capital of Egypt, on the banks of the River Nile. See the great temple of Karnak and the spectacular tombs of Valley of the Kings. Visit the temple of Queen Hatshepsut, the Colossi of Memnon statues and sample the delightful Nile River whilst relaxing on a felucca (felucca for customers travelling by plane only).
Return flights (or bus), lunch, transfers and Egyptologist included.

2 Day Luxor Highlights

Venture right into the heart of the Pharaonic times and explore this amazing city. This excursion visits the same sites as the one day trip, and in addition the tombs of the Nobles, the superb Luxor Temple and the breathtaking temple of Medinat Habu.

Return bus, lunch, transfers, Egyptologist and overnight accommodation on half board basis included.

1 Day Cairo Delights

Experience the last remaining of the Seven Wonders of the World and explore the legends of Ancient Egypt. On this trip visit the awesome Egyptian National Museum and see the legendary treasures of Tutankhamun, ancient artifacts and other masterpieces from the Land of the Pharaohs.

Later, visit the awe-inspiring Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, and wander around the medieval Citadel.
Return flights (or bus), lunch, transfers and Egyptologist included.

Yellow Submarine

For an amazingly unique view of the Red Sea, tropical fish and beautiful coral, climb and dive to a depth of 15-20m. You can learn all about the workings of a submarine and watch a video about species of fish you might encounter.

Transfers, drinks and English speaking guide included.

Hurghada Encounter Resort Tour

A great way to start your holiday, and a great introduction to the bustling town of Hurghada. Look around this superb resort, sample the local sights and revel in its history. Try Egyptian water pipes, relax with a local drink, visit the duty free, and go shopping amongst the colour of downtown. .

Transfers and English speaking guide included.

Seascope Semi-Submersible

Join the crew on board the Seascope and enjoy a fantastic afternoon exploring the underwater wonders of the Red Sea. As you pass over one of the region's best coral reefs, you will be able to view the corals and brightly coloured fishes through 18 large panoramic windows. Great for memorable photos!

Transfers and English speaking guide included.

Quad Adventure

Throughout the years many forms of transport have crossed the sand dunes and rocky formations of the deserts. The camels of the Bedouin still roam the Sinai and the 4-wheel drives navigate the dirt tracks.

Now there is a new form of transport which brings you even closer to nature and impressive desert scenery in an exciting and fun way.

Travel on your own Quad Bike through the spectacular desert of the Eastern Sahara and the Red Mountains.

Mahmya Island

Island hop to Mahmya, home to the one of the most amazing beaches in the Hurghada region. "Mahmya" in Arabic means "protected area", and the island is truly an oasis of peace, where human settlements are strictly forbidden.
Enjoy a mouthwatering full buffet lunch on the fine white sand beach, relax to soothing music, sunbathe, swim and snorkel all day in the crystal clear waters of Mahmya. On your journey back to the Hurghada coastline, you may possibly even see dolphins...

Buffet lunch, snorkel equipment, transfers and English speaking guide included.

"The trip to Mahmya Island was particularly good - so clean and tastefully developed for tourism without spoiling the natural setting, also spotlessly clean everywhere." - E Ellis, London

Badawaya Desert Experience

For an action-packed day, join this adventurous excursion into the desert. Cross the awe-inspiring desert in a variety of exciting ways - by jeep, quad bike, off road sand buggy, camel and sand sail.

Visit a local Bedouin village, see the desert in all its glory at sunset, enjoy a BBQ dinner and watch a fantastic show under the stars.

Dive Soma Bay

Diving Courses & Packages

A range of courses are on offer (including PADI courses) and packages for beginners and qualified divers. The dive centres featured in our programme are PADI approved and specialise in catering to the requirements of UK guests.

Diving in Soma Bay consists of some great shore and boat diving on pristine, isolated and breathtaking reefs with dramatic drop-offs, offering frequent sightings of big Pelagics.

Essential Diving Info

Location: On the south coast area of the Eastern Red Sea, approximately 45km south of Hurghada.
Transfer time: Approximately 45 mins from Hurghada airport
Medical: Nearest recompression chamber / medical facilities 15 minutes away in Safaga.

Summary: Diving in Soma Bay

Diving is accessed either by boat or from the shore .
From Shaab Saiman to Shaab Hamdallah you can dive pristine sites with untouched hard and soft corals and a wide variety of marine life suitable for every level of diver.
Ras Abu Soma offers sightings of Octopus and resident Morays, Stonefish and Turtles, with the occasional Napolean in the somewhat deeper section. Look out into the blue for frequent sightings of barracuda and eagle rays here.
Tobia Arba is ideal for the unhurried underwater photographer.
Further out, Panorama Reef to Abu Gafan offers even more excitement (see below).

Diving Highlights

Panorama Reef

One of the highlights of the area is this huge coral formation with walls dropping to over 200m. You will find numerous grottos and overhangs, Gorgonians and soft corals, Jacks, Barracuda, Dolphins, White tip, Grey Reef and Silver tip Sharks. Rare encounters with Manta rays, Oceanic white tip sharks, Hammerhead Sharks are also possible.

Abu Kafan

Possibly the best dive in the area. Superb wall diving with soft and black coral, giant fan and Gorgonians with frequent sightings of Jacks, Barracuda, Reef sharks and the occasional Hammerhead.

Salem Express

Famous passenger ferry wreck dive.

Marine Life

Hard coral formations second to none in the Red Sea. Turtles, Eagle Rays, Giant Puffer fish, Blue Spotted Rays, Lionfish, Octopus, Squid, Jacks, Barracuda, large schools of Fusiliers, Tuna, Scorpion fish and Box fish.

Golf Soma Bay

Take a swing on this 18-hole championship course that's designed to accommodate for all levels of player, as well as featuring a club golfhouse including a turkish hammam, a gym and three plunge pools for some after game pampering.

Designed by Gary Player, the championship Soma Bay Golf Course was the first open for play on the Western Red Sea coast and has been voted for two years running the number 1 golf course outside Europe by readers of 'Golf Journal'.

The desert links-style course offers panoromic views of the desert, the azure waters of the Red Sea and the lush greens. Adjacent to the par 72 championship course is a par 3 challenge course, also designed by Gary Player. Featuring 9 holes, the challenge course has been designed as a practise ground for both beginners and advanced golfers to develop a variety of shots and is ideal for short games.

The Golf Academy, operating from the challenge course, offers individual and group tuition by PGA golf professionals. In addition, the course features extensive practice facilities, including a 60 bay driving range and several putting and pitching practice greens.

Please note we are only able to pre-book golf in Soma Bay for guests staying at La Residence des Casades. If you're staying at another of our featured Soma Bay properties, please contact the golf course directly.

Golf Clubhouse

The Cascades Club House offers changing room facilities with showers, golf lockers, a wide range of merchandise at the Pro Shop as well as rentals of golf clubs, trolleys and golf carts.

Location & Getting There

The golf course is located in the luxurious 5* La Residence des Cascades in peaceful Soma Bay. A free shuttle bus is available from other hotels in Soma Bay to the golf course.

Facilities

* 60 bay driving range and short game practise area
* Club, trolley and golf cart rental
* Clubhouse
* Golf coaching (PGA and local professionals)
* Fully equipped Pro Shop
* Changing and shower facilities
* Golf club storage option.

Dress Code & Club Rules

Please abide by the following restrictions with reference to dress:

* Collared shirt or equivalent with 'Bermuda' shorts or slacks in winter
* Only soft spikes are permitted.

Golf Course Regulations

* Maximum handicap allowance is 36
* Handicap certificates must be shown at the Pro Shop to play the Championship Course
* Duration of play should not exceed approximately 4 and a half hours over 18 holes
* Each player has to have his/her set of clubs; sharing of clubs is not permitted
* Golf carts are not permitted in any sandy areas or past any red/white lines approaching the greens and must stay on pathways where provided
* Slow golfers must allow others to play through
* Guests of La Residence des Cascades may change confirmed tee time bookings without penalty, subject to giving The Cascades at least 24 hours notice.

Reservations

Soma Bay is a year-round destination. Advance reservation of tee times is therefore recommended, especially during the period from September through to June, the busiest time of the year.

Reservations Policy (high season from November to the end of April)
Handicap 0 to 9 priority starting times 7.08am - 7.32am
Handicap 0 to 24 priority starting times 7.40am - 8.28am
Handicap 25 to 36 starting times 8.36am - 11.32am
Guests wishing to play 9 holes only start at 1pm.

Golf Academy

The Golf Academy's Team of PGA Professionals offers a full range of one-on-one and group lessons. The Academy also offers video assisted golf clinics. A free introduction to golf (Schnuppergolf) is available for all Soma Bay hotel guests. It starts with a tour of the Golf Academy followed by a demonstration of the golf swing. Practise what you've just learned with 25 balls to hit on the driving range. Schnuppergolf is held every Friday and Monday at 3pm.