We are a group of 6 that just returned home from a Viking cruise where we visited Split, Sibenik, and Dubrovnik, We hired a private guide named Pero(Peter) Ugarkovic for a one day tour of Split and Trogir. He also does tours in other cities. I think you would be happy consulting him about where to stay and hiring him part of the time(or all). We have engaged a lot of guides over the years and he was one of the best. He was excellent, funny, and kept our attention. He was prompt in answering our emails and was standing outside the port at the appointed time for our tour.
You won't be disappointed. He has a lot of outside interest including marine biology. Tell him the folks from Texas---Plano, and Texarkana recommended him.
His email is [email protected] and his phone number is +385 98 516 117.