train travel from Frankfurt to Italy via Munich

Yes. Eurail passes are either Global - good for travel in and between all 23 countries in the Eurail zone - or selekt, good for travel in and between 3,4, or 5 contiguous countries (that is, the countries for the pass must touch each other). In the case of Germany and Italy, the pass must include either Switzerland or Austria (or France, which touches both Germany and Italy). If you go south from Munich through Innsbruck, Austria, the pass must include Austria or you must buy a separate ticket for the passage through Austria.

Cheryl, Another point to keep in mind when using a Railpass, is that these don't include the reservation fees which are compulsory on some trains, so you'll have to pay "out-of-pocket" for those. I had a brief look at some of the trains from Munich to the Cinque Terre, and all of them required reservations on at least one "leg". The trip from Munich to the Cinque Terre is going to be LONG. The shortest trip I could find was 10H:47M with three changes. You might consider stopping at an intermediate point (Verona?) for one night to "break up" the long rail journey. Happy travels!

Would it be better to travel from Munich to Venice to start traveling in Italy? We hope to have a couple of days in each of the following cities: Venice, Cinque Terre, Florence and area( perhaps 3 days) and then to Rome for flight home to US. It seems Cinque Terre is rather difficult to get to but we really would like to spend a couple of days there. If we start in Venice would we go to Florence area and then to Cinque T and then have to back track to Florence to get to Rome.? This is our first trip to Italy and I am trying to make arrangements myself.
Thanks for your help!

The EuroCity train (EC) that leaves Munich at 11.31 goes all the way to Venice. That train does not require reservations, but since it's such a long trip, they might be desirable (for €4 per seat). There are 4 other ECs that go through Verona headed for other parts of Italy. If you take one of these, you will have to take an Italian train from Verona to Venice. It will likely be an Italian Eurostar (ES*) for which reservations are required.

Thanks Lee. I so much appreciate your input for some of our travel. I believe the 11:31 from Munich to Venice will be perfect.
Much better than starting in the CT!

Cheryl, The route suggested by Lee is perfect! From Venice you might consider travelling Florence > Cinque Terre > Rome, as all the rail trips from there are relatively easy.

thanks Ken,
I so appreciate your input and I am sure I will have more questions as I move forward with our trip plans.