So, I am most appreciative of all the comments I have received while planning this part of our Italy trip.
I think we have narrowed it down to staying 4 days in Bardolino - where we can visit areas in the south and then 4 days in Malcesine where we can visit mid-lake and all the way up to Riva. We will have a car as well.
From there we will be traveling to Ortisea for 4 nights before flying home.
My questions is - does it make sense to stay in Malcesine rather than Riva. We prefer smaller towns. We have been to Lake Como twice and stayed in Bellagio both times. We enjoyed going back and forth to see other areas by Ferry. We enjoy being able to walk out the door of our hotel and walk to dinner, shops, sites, etc. I had considered Limone but several reports indicated it was small and that Malcesine would be a better choice. Seems like the distances from either are not far by car if we need to use the car.
Thank you so much for your input.