Business Details
37 Years
experience
Your Trusted Travel Partner for Mediterranean Adventures
Established in 1989, Sun Island Tours is an Australian family-owned business specializing in curated travel experiences to the Mediterranean and Middle East. With over 35 years of industry expertise, we have facilitated over 300,000 journeys for Australian and New Zealand travelers. Our dedicated team combines generational knowledge with firsthand destination experience to deliver tailored tours, cruises, and packages. Accredited by the Australian Federation of Travel Agents and the Council of Australian Tour Operators, we prioritize quality through partnerships with trusted local operators.Our 700+ itineraries span iconic destinations like Greece, Croatia, Egypt, and Turkey, with options for small-group tours, luxury cruises, and bespoke adventures. We guarantee confirmed departures and provide 24/7 in-destination support, ensuring seamless travel from planning to execution. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our 4.7 Google rating and decades of repeat travelers.
Services
Tours
Cruises
Packages
Tailor-Made Travel
Mediterranean Experts
Details
- Year established: 1989
Highlights and features
- We are an Australian family-owned business operating since 1989.
- Our team has over 30 years of specialized experience in Mediterranean travel.
- We offer 700+ ready-made tours, cruises, and packages with tailor-made options.
- We are accredited by the Australian Federation of Travel Agents and Council of Australian Tour Operators.
- We provide 24/7 in-destination support through trusted local partners.
Associations and certifications
- Australian Federation of Travel Agents
- Council of Australian Tour Operators
What people say
Unforgettable trip
Stunning scenery
Knowledgeable guides
Excellent food
Beautiful coastline
Services
Mediterranean Tours
Our Mediterranean tours combine iconic landmarks with hidden gems across Greece, Croatia, Italy, and beyond. Expertly designed itineraries balance guided exploration with free time, ensuring authentic cultural immersion. With group sizes from 10 to 45 travelers, we cater to diverse preferences while maintaining personalized attention throughout your journey.
Small Ship Cruises
Experience intimate cruising along Croatia's Dalmatian Coast and Greek Islands aboard vessels carrying 32-42 passengers. These voyages offer access to secluded coves and historic ports, with onboard amenities including jacuzzis, swim platforms, and locally inspired cuisine for an unforgettable maritime adventure.
Tailor-Made Packages
Create personalized itineraries combining our pre-designed tours with bespoke extensions. Whether adding pre-cruise hotel stays or crafting entirely unique journeys, our travel experts leverage 35 years of destination knowledge to fulfill specific interests and travel requirements across the Mediterranean and Middle East.
Special Interest Cruises
Discover Croatia through active wine tasting or cycling adventures during our themed cruises. These specialized voyages include expert-led excursions through lavender fields, olive groves, and historic vineyards, combining physical activity with cultural exploration along the Adriatic coastline for travelers seeking immersive experiences.
Land & Sea Combos
Combine coastal cruising with inland exploration through our integrated land-sea packages. These comprehensive journeys feature seamless transitions between small ship voyages and overland tours, allowing travelers to experience both coastal beauty and cultural heartlands across destinations like Croatia, Slovenia, and Italy.
People
Lakis Polyviou
Founder
Established Sun Island Tours in 1989 after decades in the travel industry. His hands-on approach and personal connections in Greece and Cyprus laid the foundation for the company's specialized Mediterranean expertise.
Celia Polyviou
Co-Founder
Brings extensive travel agency experience from Cyprus and the UK. Her industry knowledge and client-focused approach helped shape the company's commitment to personalized service and destination expertise.
Paul Polyviou
General Manager
With 20 years in the business, Paul leads operations while maintaining the family's hands-on approach. His Mediterranean travel expertise ensures quality control across all destinations from Italy to Turkey.
John Polyviou
General Manager
18-year industry veteran specializing in Middle Eastern destinations. Oversees product development while maintaining the company's commitment to authentic cultural experiences and reliable local partnerships.
Karen Polyviou
Product Manager
25-year travel industry expert with specialized knowledge of Greece, Turkey, and Egypt. Her destination expertise and supplier relationships ensure high-quality, authentic experiences across the Mediterranean region.
Questions
What accommodation standards do your packages include?
We categorize hotels as Tourist (2-3*), Standard (3-3.5*), Superior (4*), Deluxe (4-5*), and Platinum (5*). Specific classifications vary by destination while maintaining quality standards.
Do Australian travelers need visas for Mediterranean destinations?
Most destinations don't require visas for Australian citizens, or allow purchase upon arrival. Specific requirements depend on destination and travel duration, which our experts can clarify during booking.
How are tipping expectations handled on your tours?
Tipping guidelines recommend AU$5-10/day for guides and AU$3-5/day for drivers. While not mandatory, it's encouraged for exceptional service. Local tipping customs are communicated before travel.
What group sizes can I expect on your tours?
Group sizes range from micro-tours (under 10) to standard groups (up to 45 participants). Specific maximum sizes are detailed in each trip's description for transparent planning.
How do you ensure cruise quality and reliability?
We partner exclusively with trusted local operators providing 24/7 destination support. Our Croatia cruises use vessels with air-conditioning, ensuite facilities, and experienced crews for consistent quality.
Can I customize my travel itinerary?
Yes, our travel experts create tailored packages combining pre-designed elements with personalized extensions. This flexibility accommodates specific interests while maintaining our quality assurance standards.
