Europe Trip Leader

Stanislav Simicic

Languages Spoken: English, German & Croatian

Guide Since: 2007

Stanislav Simicic, of Croatia, is a graduate of a culinary academy in Osijek. A fine chef, he was awarded a second-place ranking among all young Croatian chefs in a competition in 1997. Stanislav later worked as a chef at a restaurant in Poreé for three years, then began to manage several yachts that ply the Adriatic. He has been working with us as a chef and Trip Leader since 2007, bringing a thorough knowledge of Croatian history and culture to the trip, along with wonderful cuisine. Stanislav is fluent in English and German. When not guiding, he spends time exploring Croatia's many beautiful places with his wife, son, and friends. "Come to Croatia, a secret garden of beauty in the warm and sunny Mediterranean," he says. "You'll discover a country of a thousand islands with beautiful nature, interesting traditions, and a rich cultural heritage."

Our Team

Upcoming Trips with Stanislav

Croatia: Istria and the Dalmatian Coast

Apr 16 - 26, 2025

Apr 30 - May 10, 2025

May 14 - 24, 2025

Jun 18 - 28, 2025

Sep 24 - Oct 4, 2025

View Trip

Hiking Montenegro and the Adriatic Coast

May 26 - Jun 5, 2025

View Trip

Hiking the Heart of the Balkans

Jun 7 - 16, 2025

Jul 5 - 14, 2025

Sep 13 - 22, 2025

View Trip

Hiking in Slovenia

Aug 19 - 30, 2025

View Trip

Client Testimonials

Stan was very engaging and knowledgeable about the area. Really fun to hang out with and very thoughful about the guest needs.

Andrea B.

New York, NY
Croatia: Istria and the Dalmatian Coast

Professional, open, fun, flexible, caring—a great leader.

Ann D.

Louisville, KY
Croatia: Istria and the Dalmatian Coast

Stan is a terrific guide—knowledgeable, enthusiastic, caring, and very professional and skilled in interacting with our group.

Beth F.

McLean, VA
Croatia: Istria and the Dalmatian Coast

Stan used his knowledge and passion about food to make the trip very special. A very thoughtful, attentive guide. He also was very responsive to individual's desires to skip a hike or a site, working it out easily.

Charlie and Cathy K.

Santa Fe, NM
Croatia: Istria and the Dalmatian Coast

One of the best guides we have ever had. Such a nice person! Made the trip so fun and interesting.

Chris B.

Grand Junction, CO
Croatia: Istria and the Dalmatian Coast

One of the best leaders I've had.

Dian O.

New York NY
Sailing the Dalmatian Coast

Stan is a great guide. He made our meals a delight. Sampling the regional cuisine was an unexpected bonus.

Donna D.

Castle Rock, CO
Croatia: Istria and the Dalmatian Coast

Stan is a jewel. Couldn’t imagine the trip with any other leader.

Howard F.

Short Hills NJ

Stan was very caring, knowledgeable, and a wonderful guide. He was a lot of fun to be with.

Jeannette S.

Wilmington, DE
Croatia: Istria and the Dalmatian Coast

Stan was very friendly and congenial. A wonderful sense of humor, always helpful, and a great cook!

Joanne S.

Cameron Park, CA
Sailing the Dalmatian Coast

Stan was terrific—one of the nicest people on the planet and very sensitive to the varied needs of the group.

Julia R.

Topanga CA

Stan was charming, always good spirited, able and willing to share stories, jokes, and knowledge.

Julie G.

Sykesville, MD
Hiking in Slovenia

Stanko was a caring, knowledgeable leader who provided cultural insights and really encouraged us on the trail, exhorting us that 'you can do it!' And we did!

Kathy and Jack M.

Woodbridge, VA
Hiking in Slovenia

Stan was affable, informative, and delightful in every way.

Lanez L.

Hanalei HI

Stan was hands down the best guide! He was so knowledgable and personable.

Laura D.

Palo Alto, CA
Croatia: Istria and the Dalmatian Coast

Stan is top notch. He is bright, cheerful, funny, and has lots of great connections. His knowledge and experience made for a smooth and enjoyable trip.

Laura H.

Durango, CO
Croatia: Istria and the Dalmatian Coast

Excellent in every way. Extremely competent, personable, knowledgeable and eager to please. Flexible and innovative when changes in plans were called for. Responsive to all requests. Both he and his fellow guide Ingrid were tops—a great team.

Linda M.

Little Silver, NJ
Croatia: Istria and the Dalmatian Coast

Stanis was super. He was enthusiastic and his love for his country and all it has to offer is contagious.

Lisa M.

Toledo, OH
Croatia: Istria and the Dalmatian Coast

We thoroughly enjoyed Stanko. He was very knowledgeable about the region and a great hiking companion!

Lorna D.

Annandale, VA
Hiking in Slovenia

Stan is an outstanding trip leader and guide. He not only knows his history, both ancient and recent, but happily shares his love of the culture and food and all things Croatian. He has friends everywhere we went on the trip and he has a few new ones in the U.S. now too.

Marilyn O.

Tampa, FL
Croatia: Istria and the Dalmatian Coast

What a charming and knowledgeable man! He is a real asset for Wilderness Travel, and we feel lucky to have met him and to enjoy his company. He greatly enriched our Croatian experience.

Mary Ann and Ted M.

Mercer Island, WA
Croatia: Istria and the Dalmatian Coast

Stanko was absolutely charming! Extremely competent and knowledgeable, very perceptive, and seemed to connect with every trip memeber on a personal level.

Mary Jo B.

Aurora, CO
Hiking in Slovenia

Stan is very well organized, friendly, and an outstanding travel leader who communicated well (and did an excellent job of choosing the meals!).

Melissa W.

Western Springs, IL
Croatia: Istria and the Dalmatian Coast

Stan is awesome! Very knowledgeable, efficient, hardworking, and congenial, and great fun to travel with!

Nancy F.

New York, NY
Hiking in Slovenia

Stan was very energetic and obviously very proud of his country, Croatia. His knowledge of the history, economic development, and environment was great.

Nina B.

Hanover, NH
Croatia: Istria and the Dalmatian Coast

Stan is intelligent, resourceful, very energetic and show a very high level of respect and genuine care for all the members of the group. His positive outlook and fun personality made the trip even better. He is a treasure!

Pat D.

Cambridge, MA
Croatia: Istria and the Dalmatian Coast

Stan was fabulous, so passionate and knowledgable—we all loved him!

Patricia M.

San Jose, CA
Croatia: Istria and the Dalmatian Coast

Stan is a credit to Wilderness Travel. He is professional, intelligent, and knowledgeable about the area. I would tour with him again in a heartbeat.

Russ B.

Mesa, AZ
Croatia: Istria and the Dalmatian Coast

Stan is a real asset to your Croatia trip. He loves his country and conveys it with enthusiasm, and is sensitive to participants' likes and dislikes. He is flexible and made us feel welcome.

Steve A.

Athens, GA
Croatia: Istria and the Dalmatian Coast

Stan was fabulous—energetic, enthusiastic, informed, and kind.

Susan H.

Minneapolis, MN
Hiking in Slovenia

I can't say enough good words about Stan. He's a great guy and a lot of fun. He's very knowledgeable about the area and the culture.

Susan M.

Woodbury, MN
Croatia: Istria and the Dalmatian Coast

Stanko was a wonderful trip leader, fun to be with, helpful, and very informative.

Suzette L.

Lafayette, CA
Hiking in Slovenia

Book Your Trip Today

Our Area Specialists know every detail about our adventures around the world. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!

{"Guide":[{"GuideID":850880,"First_Name":"Stanislav","Last_Name":"Simicic","Guide_Profile":"Stanislav Simicic, of Croatia, is a graduate of a culinary academy in Osijek. A fine chef, he was awarded a second-place ranking among all young Croatian chefs in a competition in 1997. Stanislav later worked as a chef at a restaurant in Pore\u00e9 for three years, then began to manage several yachts that ply the Adriatic. He has been working with us as a chef and Trip Leader since 2007, bringing a thorough knowledge of Croatian history and culture to the trip, along with wonderful cuisine. Stanislav is fluent in English and German. When not guiding, he spends time exploring Croatia's many beautiful places with his wife, son, and friends. \"Come to Croatia, a secret garden of beauty in the warm and sunny Mediterranean,\" he says. \"You'll discover a country of a thousand islands with beautiful nature, interesting traditions, and a rich cultural heritage.\"","Image_Name":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/guides\/stanislav-simicic.jpg","DisplayOnWeb":true}],"CustomFields":{"Custom_Leader_Region":"Europe","Custom_Leader_Languages":"English, German & Croatian","Custom_Leader_Since":"2007","Custom_Leader_Slug":""},"activities":[{}],"destinations":[{}],"reviews":[{"GuestNames":"Andrea B.","GuestLocation":"New York, NY<br \/>Croatia: Istria and the Dalmatian Coast","GuestReview":"Stan was very engaging and knowledgeable about the area. Really fun to hang out with and very thoughful about the guest needs.","TripName":""},{"GuestNames":"Ann D.","GuestLocation":"Louisville, KY<br \/>Croatia: Istria and the Dalmatian Coast","GuestReview":"Professional, open, fun, flexible, caring&#8212;a great leader.","TripName":""},{"GuestNames":"Beth F.","GuestLocation":"McLean, VA<br \/>Croatia: Istria and the Dalmatian Coast","GuestReview":"Stan is a terrific guide&#8212;knowledgeable, enthusiastic, caring, and very professional and skilled in interacting with our group.","TripName":""},{"GuestNames":"Charlie and Cathy K.","GuestLocation":"Santa Fe, NM<br \/>Croatia: Istria and the Dalmatian Coast","GuestReview":"Stan used his knowledge and passion about food to make the trip very special. A very thoughtful, attentive guide. He also was very responsive to individual's desires to skip a hike or a site, working it out easily.","TripName":""},{"GuestNames":"Chris B.","GuestLocation":"Grand Junction, CO<br \/>Croatia: Istria and the Dalmatian Coast","GuestReview":"One of the best guides we have ever had. Such a nice person! Made the trip so fun and interesting.","TripName":""},{"GuestNames":"Dian O.","GuestLocation":"New York NY<br \/>Sailing the Dalmatian Coast","GuestReview":"One of the best leaders I've had.","TripName":""},{"GuestNames":"Donna D.","GuestLocation":"Castle Rock, CO<br \/>Croatia: Istria and the Dalmatian Coast","GuestReview":"Stan is a great guide. He made our meals a delight. Sampling the regional cuisine was an unexpected bonus.","TripName":""},{"GuestNames":"Howard F.","GuestLocation":"Short Hills NJ","GuestReview":"Stan is a jewel. Couldn&#8217;t imagine the trip with any other leader.","TripName":""},{"GuestNames":"Jeannette S.","GuestLocation":"Wilmington, DE<br \/>Croatia: Istria and the Dalmatian Coast","GuestReview":"Stan was very caring, knowledgeable, and a wonderful guide. He was a lot of fun to be with.","TripName":""},{"GuestNames":"Joanne S.","GuestLocation":"Cameron Park, CA<br \/>Sailing the Dalmatian Coast","GuestReview":"Stan was very friendly and congenial. A wonderful sense of humor, always helpful, and a great cook!","TripName":""},{"GuestNames":"Julia R.","GuestLocation":"Topanga CA","GuestReview":"Stan was terrific&#8212;one of the nicest people on the planet and very sensitive to the varied needs of the group.","TripName":""},{"GuestNames":"Julie G.","GuestLocation":"Sykesville, MD<br \/>Hiking in Slovenia","GuestReview":"Stan was charming, always good spirited, able and willing to share stories, jokes, and knowledge.","TripName":""},{"GuestNames":"Kathy and Jack M.","GuestLocation":"Woodbridge, VA<br \/>Hiking in Slovenia","GuestReview":"Stanko was a caring, knowledgeable leader who provided cultural insights and really encouraged us on the trail, exhorting us that 'you can do it!' And we did!","TripName":""},{"GuestNames":"Lanez L.","GuestLocation":"Hanalei HI","GuestReview":"Stan was affable, informative, and delightful in every way.","TripName":""},{"GuestNames":"Laura D.","GuestLocation":"Palo Alto, CA<br \/>Croatia: Istria and the Dalmatian Coast","GuestReview":"Stan was hands down the best guide! He was so knowledgable and personable.","TripName":""},{"GuestNames":"Laura H.","GuestLocation":"Durango, CO<br \/>Croatia: Istria and the Dalmatian Coast","GuestReview":"Stan is top notch. He is bright, cheerful, funny, and has lots of great connections. His knowledge and experience made for a smooth and enjoyable trip.","TripName":""},{"GuestNames":"Linda M.","GuestLocation":"Little Silver, NJ<br \/>Croatia: Istria and the Dalmatian Coast","GuestReview":"Excellent in every way. Extremely competent, personable, knowledgeable and eager to please. Flexible and innovative when changes in plans were called for. Responsive to all requests. Both he and&#160;his fellow guide Ingrid were tops&#8212;a great team.","TripName":""},{"GuestNames":"Lisa M.","GuestLocation":"Toledo, OH<br \/>Croatia: Istria and the Dalmatian Coast","GuestReview":"Stanis was super. He was enthusiastic and his love for his country and all it has to offer is contagious.","TripName":""},{"GuestNames":"Lorna D.","GuestLocation":"Annandale, VA<br \/>Hiking in Slovenia","GuestReview":"We thoroughly enjoyed Stanko. He was very knowledgeable about the region and a great hiking companion!","TripName":""},{"GuestNames":"Marilyn O.","GuestLocation":"Tampa, FL<br \/>Croatia: Istria and the Dalmatian Coast","GuestReview":"Stan is an outstanding trip leader and guide. He not only knows his history, both ancient and recent, but happily shares his love of the culture and food and all things Croatian. He has friends everywhere we went on the trip and he has a few new ones in the U.S. now too.","TripName":""},{"GuestNames":"Mary Ann and Ted M.","GuestLocation":"Mercer Island, WA<br \/>Croatia: Istria and the Dalmatian Coast","GuestReview":"What a charming and knowledgeable man! He is a real asset for Wilderness Travel, and we feel lucky to have met him and to enjoy his company. He greatly enriched our Croatian experience.","TripName":""},{"GuestNames":"Mary Jo B.","GuestLocation":"Aurora, CO<br \/>Hiking in Slovenia","GuestReview":"Stanko was absolutely charming! Extremely competent and knowledgeable, very perceptive, and seemed to connect with every trip memeber on a personal level.","TripName":""},{"GuestNames":"Melissa W.","GuestLocation":"Western Springs, IL<br \/>Croatia: Istria and the Dalmatian Coast","GuestReview":"Stan is very well organized, friendly, and an outstanding travel leader who communicated well (and did an excellent job of choosing the meals!).","TripName":""},{"GuestNames":"Nancy F.","GuestLocation":"New York, NY<br \/>Hiking in Slovenia","GuestReview":"Stan is awesome! Very knowledgeable, efficient, hardworking, and congenial, and great fun to travel with!","TripName":""},{"GuestNames":"Nina B.","GuestLocation":"Hanover, NH<br \/>Croatia: Istria and the Dalmatian Coast","GuestReview":"Stan was very energetic and obviously very proud of his country, Croatia. His knowledge of the history, economic development, and environment was great.","TripName":""},{"GuestNames":"Pat D.","GuestLocation":"Cambridge, MA<br \/>Croatia: Istria and the Dalmatian Coast","GuestReview":"Stan is intelligent, resourceful, very energetic and show a very high level of respect and genuine care for all the members of the group. His positive outlook and fun personality made the trip even better. He is a treasure!","TripName":""},{"GuestNames":"Patricia M.","GuestLocation":"San Jose, CA<br \/>Croatia: Istria and the Dalmatian Coast","GuestReview":"Stan was fabulous, so passionate and knowledgable&#8212;we all loved him!","TripName":""},{"GuestNames":"Russ B.","GuestLocation":"Mesa, AZ<br \/>Croatia: Istria and the Dalmatian Coast","GuestReview":"Stan is a credit to Wilderness Travel. He is professional, intelligent, and knowledgeable about the area. I would tour with him again in a heartbeat.","TripName":""},{"GuestNames":"Steve A.","GuestLocation":"Athens, GA<br \/>Croatia: Istria and the Dalmatian Coast","GuestReview":"Stan is a real asset to your Croatia trip. He loves his country and conveys it with enthusiasm, and is sensitive to participants' likes and dislikes. He is flexible and made us feel welcome.","TripName":""},{"GuestNames":"Susan H.","GuestLocation":"Minneapolis, MN<br \/>Hiking in Slovenia","GuestReview":"Stan was fabulous&#8212;energetic, enthusiastic, informed, and kind.","TripName":""},{"GuestNames":"Susan M.","GuestLocation":"Woodbury, MN<br \/>Croatia: Istria and the Dalmatian Coast","GuestReview":"I can't say enough good words about Stan. He's a great guy and a lot of fun. He's very knowledgeable about the area and the culture.","TripName":""},{"GuestNames":"Suzette L.","GuestLocation":"Lafayette, CA<br \/>Hiking in Slovenia","GuestReview":"Stanko was a wonderful trip leader, fun to be with, helpful, and very informative.","TripName":""}]}