I will be in Dubrovnik during the summer. I know - hot and crowded but this is when I can go.

To start with I am a huge history and architecture fan. I love old libraries (it is a thing!). I would like to do either a cooking class or wine tour while in Croatia.
the plan thus far is :

Zurich to Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik to Split
day trips from Split
looking for some information:

in Dubrovnik:
safe, centrally located accommodation especially if you were there solo

Guided history tour recs

day trip (maybe)

any suggestions would be most welcome Thanks everyone

Dubrovnik (and Split) are pretty safe. I would choose something outside the old town in both cities, in July it will be too crowded and noisy to stay inside. You could get an apartment outside the Ploče gate in Dubrovnik, and still be inside the walls in 10 or 15 minutes depending on where the apartment is. In Split, the area around Bačvice beach is very nice, and also an easy walk to the old town. There are numerous apartments there, too.

If you want to do a wine tour/day trip from Dubrovnik, D'Vino Wine Bar offers a really fun one.
https://dvino.net/dubrovnik-wine-tours

You will love it! It is a great destination for a solo traveller, very laid back and your fellow tourists will be friendly and approachable. Even though it will be hot and crowded, it will be great beach weather and in Dubrovnik, head to the Buza Bar, literally a hole in the wall, outdoor, on the rocks, spectacular view.

I agree it is very safe and also agree about getting an apartment outside the city walls in Dubrovnik.That is what we did and really enjoyed having a kitchen and the views. They are very numerous and more common than hotels.

It will be very crowded and it is helpful to look at cruise in port sites like Cruisedig.com to help you determine your daily schedule, it really helps to plan around the crowds. Walk the wall early in the morning, there is little shade and will get uncomfortably crowded.

How long will you be there? If you have the time, a day trip to Kotor is so worthwhile, it is visually stunning and breathtaking!

I went solo and I stayed at Villa Sigurata in the Old Town. It was a great place to stay, but be advised there will be stairs with no elevator. The Old Town is much more pleasant when the cruise ships leave.

Kotor is stunningly beautiful. I also recommend Kravica waterfalls in Bosnia Herzegovinia as a day trip. Or maybe the city of Mostar, also in BH.

Thank you everyone...I am starting to plan. I loved the wine tour group. Bookmarked it.