Hi,
Our family of four (kids aged 10 & 6) will be in Frankfurt for a wedding in June. We would like to combine the trip with a vacation in Italy. We would like to visit Rome for sure. Any suggestions on what else we could do, in a period of 7 to 8 days? We would like to avoid driving, if possible.

Thanks,
Ciny

Considering the ages of your children and the weather in Italy in June:
From Frankfurt, take the train to the Ligurian Sea area, specifically Cinque Terre. Children will enjoy taveling to the various villages by boat and by train. Splendid Portofino is close by. June can be very hot so by the sea will be a welcome stop on the road to Rome. An option is staying a night in Genoa, a vibrant city, with the 2d largest aquarium in Europe.
For Rome, with two young children, I believe the sites of Ancient Rome will make the most impression, especially the Coliseum,
Visit Cinque Terre on the Ligurian Channel of www.WebVisionItaly.com

That is a long way. I would let then enjoy the Bavarian castle country and the lakes of Austria. Save Italy when you have 2 weeks.

Thank you so much for the suggestions!

Ciny

Is the 7-8 days on top of your time in Rome, or is that what you've got all together? If you really only have one week, I'd spend it all in Rome. I'd rent an apartment, and I'd look into cheap flights from Frankfurt to Rome. Try looking at whichbudget.com.

I'd also look into flying open jaw, into Frankfurt and out of Rome. No need for a car.

Hi,
Thanks. Yes, we were planning to fly into Frankfurt and fly out of Rome and use a local flight to get from Germany to Italy.
We have been to Germany before and really wanted to see Italy. The kids are used to traveling and not very fuzzy.
Actually, looks like we will have around 10 days in all for the Italy trip. Some time by the sea would be great!
Taking out travel days, thinking of 4 days in Rome and 4 in Cinque Terre area, as Remus suggested. Which city can we fly into, if we want to visit Cinque Terre first?
Any recommendations on where to stay and spend time in that area?
I am assuming we can take a train from there to Rome.

Thanks again,
Ciny

maybe you would consider flying into venice or florence, and making your way by train to rome?

As others have noted, Rome will be hot in june.
you might want to consider a day trip to Ostia Antica during your stay there. It is a short local train ride