Sicilian Secrets 2026: Maria Rizzo takes us on a journey through authentic Sicily
The new season of Sicilian Secrets is about to begin, and with its 16th edition, it promises to take travelers on a journey through an authentic and surprising Sicily. Starting March 7th, the tours will once again reveal the secrets of the island through quality experiences, cultural immersions, and exclusive moments. To tell us about the strengths of this edition, the news for international markets, and the reasons to choose a Sicilian Secrets tour, we interviewed Maria Rizzo, the Dimensione Sicilia representative for this product, who guided us behind the scenes of the project and explained why every trip becomes a truly unique experience.
Q: The new season of Sicilian Secrets is just around the corner, with the first departures scheduled for March 7th. What kind of start do you expect, and what spirit are you bringing into this new year?
A: We are already satisfied with the bookings we have received, which demonstrate the interest in our Sicilian Secrets tours. This is only the beginning of a new season, but it also confirms a project that continues to grow. We approach this new year with a spirit full of energy, curiosity, and great attention to the quality of the experience.
Q: Sicilian Secrets celebrates its 16th edition in 2026: what are the real strengths of a product that continues to evolve without losing its identity?
A: Sicilian Secrets enters the new season with a rare asset: the ability to evolve while remaining immediately recognizable. Today, its true strengths lie precisely in this balance between continuity and innovation. Equally fundamental is consistency over time: Sicilian Secrets demonstrates that innovating does not mean chasing trends, but constantly reinterpreting its own identity in light of the present. This makes the product current, credible, and still desirable after sixteen editions.
Q: Over time, the concept of Sicilian Secrets has evolved while maintaining a well-defined positioning. How does the experience offered today meet the new expectations of travelers?
A: Today, Sicilian Secrets offers authentic, high-quality experiences built around the real satisfaction of participants. The focus is on allowing travelers to experience the places deeply, through relationships, attention to detail, and a mindful use of time. The evolution of the concept has strengthened listening to the customer and the overall quality of the experience, maintaining a clear and recognizable positioning: coherent, distinctive, and oriented toward delivering lasting value.
Q: Among the main news this year are the UNIQUE TOUR and the product dedicated to the French market. Can you tell us what sets them apart and which types of travelers they are aimed at?
A: Among this year’s main innovations, the UNIQUE TOUR represents the highest expression of the Sicilian Secrets experience. It is an English-language product, designed for a small group of a maximum of 14 participants, and stands out for an even deeper level of immersion. The experiences offered — such as cooking classes, wine tastings, and activities in close contact with the territory — are selected to promote genuine and direct engagement.
It is aimed at international travelers seeking exclusivity, quality, and an intense journey, carefully curated in every detail. The product “Les Secrets de Sicile” was born from the desire to engage specifically with the French-speaking audience, who have strong cultural sensitivity and a great attention to the identity of the places. It maintains the DNA of Sicilian Secrets, but adapts the language, rhythm, and storytelling to meet the expectations of this target. It is designed for curious and aware travelers, attentive to culture, food, and human connections.
Q: How important was it to work on market segmentation and increasingly targeted products, also from a linguistic and cultural perspective?
A: It was a decisive strategic step. Market segmentation allowed us to move beyond a generalist approach and offer experiences that truly speak to different audiences. Working on the linguistic and cultural level also means increasing the quality of the relationship with the traveler and, consequently, the level of satisfaction. This approach allows us to preserve the identity of Sicilian Secrets, while making it more effective, more current, and more solid in the long term.
Q: Monolingual departures have always been an added value of Sicilian Secrets. Why are they considered a real plus today, and what benefits do they bring to the overall tour experience?
A: Monolingual departures are a real plus today because they make the experience more immersive and fluid: they facilitate communication, promote genuine relationships among participants, and allow content and storytelling to be adapted to the specific audience. The result is a more engaging, understandable, and satisfying tour, capable of letting travelers experience Sicily fully and authentically.
Q: After so many years of working in the field, what makes Sicilian Secrets different from other Sicily tours on the market?
A: What sets Sicilian Secrets apart from other Sicily tours is the ability to offer an authentic and deeply immersive experience, where every detail is designed to make the territory come alive in a unique way. Another distinctive element is our schedule: we offer regular departures from March to November, as well as dedicated winter dates, ensuring a product available for most of the year. In addition, we prioritize accommodations mainly located in historic centers, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the identity of the cities even during free time.
Our assistance is another strength: attentive, consistent, and highly professional, with prompt support before, during, and after the trip. To complete the experience, we offer exclusive services and unforgettable moments — from reserved visits to special sites to experiences such as wine tastings at Florio wineries — which make each tour truly special. It is this combination of authenticity, care, continuity of the offer, and exclusivity that makes Sicilian Secrets a unique product in the panorama of Sicily tours.
Q: If you were to give direct advice to travel agents and undecided travelers, what would be the reasons to choose a Sicilian Secrets tour today?
A: For travel agents, Sicilian Secrets is a reliable proposal: well-organized tours, original content, attention to detail, and an excellent balance between culture, food, and territory. It is an easy product to promote because it meets the growing demand for experiential travel and ensures high customer satisfaction, reducing complaints and increasing loyalty. For undecided travelers, the reasons are clear: Sicilian Secrets allows you to discover the truest Sicily, going beyond clichés, thanks to expert guides, balanced pacing, and authentic encounters with local culture. Every tour is designed to let you feel real emotions, not just “visit” places, but understand and experience them.
