Guess the good Mr. Steves doesn't like Lake Garda (NOT in his book)-thank goodness for that. I was in Riva two days ago and it was fantastic with near zero Americans (not that I don't like my fellow countrymen). Superb (but strenuous) hiking on the mountain behind the town. It is a bit of Vernazza, but larger with the edge of the Dolomites at the town's backdrop. If Rick Steves' has written about Lake Garda it would be overrun. Enjoy while you can.
(BTW, I have been to Vernazza and the Cinque Terre and love it too.)