HGTV's Chip and Joanna Gaines Make a Break for Italy

The Fixer Upper stars are displaying some serious vacation goals with their romantic getaway in Florence.

Filming more than a dozen episodes of one of the biggest shows on TV is no small task, so it would make sense that Chip and Joanna Gaines from HGTV’s Fixer Upper would bolt for some alone time upon wrapping filming — oh, and launching a much-anticipated home collection. And what better locale for a romantic getaway than Italy?

The co-hosts and parents of four celebrated their big milestones — not to mention Chip’s 43rd birthday! — with a trip to Europe, beginning in the heart of Florence, near the Piazza Della Signoria public square. Joanna clarifies in her post that the couple settled in for some (much-deserved) rest while travel friends enjoyed the sights, but they did manage to stop for a photo opp in front of Trattoria Gabriello, a cozy Florence restaurant popular with locals and passing tourists alike.

If Instagram is to be believed, Chip and Jo are currently making their way through the Italian countryside via a couple of Vespas. Thanks to some strategically placed headgear — safety first! — no sign yet of Chip’s newly-bare noggin. Just before heading to Europe, the Waco, Texas, natives also stopped through Memphis to deliver a check to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital — and to get a much-anticipated haircut.

Chip and Joanna have often said they’re natural homebodies, preferring to stay close to their hometown of Waco over traveling often for business, so their recent travels for both work and play seem like a breath of fresh air. No word on if they’ll make it back stateside ahead of their season five premiere of Fixer Upper on HGTV on Nov. 21, but we’ll be watching for more vacation inspiration!

The Best of Florence, Italy

See All Photos

St. John Baptistery

Dedicated to St. John the Baptist, this baptistery is the oldest religious monument in Florence. Although its origin is unknown, it’s believed that it was built over the ruins of a Roman temple that dated back to the fourth or fifth century. Up until the 19th century, all Catholics in Florence were baptized here.

Photo By: Slow Images/Photographer’s Choice/Getty Images

The Duomo

One of the most recognizable landmarks in Florence, the Duomo is a cathedral built in honor of Santa Maria del Fiore. Visitors can climb to the top for amazing views of the city or explore the Gothic building’s amazing artwork, including Giorgio Vasari’s Last Judgment. Self-guided tours are free, or you can pay about $2 per person for the audio tour.

Photo By: Hans-Peter Merten/Photolibrary/Getty Images

Mercato Centrale

Go shopping at the Mercato Centrale, or Central Market, in Florence. This two-level, indoor food market has butchers, fishmongers and delis on the first floor, and on the second floor, shops sell vegetables, fruits, cheese, homemade sauces and more. Don’t leave the market without tasting homemade mostarda, a spicy jam usually eaten with cheese or roasts.

Photo By: John Freeman/Lonely Planet Images/Getty Images

Piazza San Lorenzo

Piazza San Lorenzo is the square in front of the Basilica of San Lorenzo. It is also a popular spot for locals and tourists to go shopping at the open market, visit the Cappelle Medicee, or stop by the Laurentian Library, a repository of more than 11,000 manuscripts and 4,500 books.

Photo By: Maurizio Del Bianco/iStock/Getty Images

The Campanile

Climb to the top of the Campanile, or bell tower, to get perfect views of the Duomo and Florence. Italian painter and architect Giotto di Bondone designed the 277-foot-tall structure, which is divided into five levels. It is often referred to as Giotto’s Campanile.

Photo By: Jakobradigruber/iStock/Getty Images

Piazza della Signoria

A popular meeting place for Florentines and tourists, the Piazza Della Signoria is a square located in front of the Palazzo Vecchio, Florence’s town hall.

Photo By: Scott E Barbour/The Image Bank/Getty Images

Fountain of Neptune

Located on Piazza Della Signoria in front the Palazzo Vecchio, the Fountain of Neptune was used as a washbasin for laundry before the 16th century. The popular statue was restored in 2007 after vandals tried to climb it, damaging the trident and one of the hands.

Photo By: Sylvain Sonnet/Getty Images

Ponte Vecchio

Built over the Arno River, the Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge) is the only remaining bridge in the city that was built during the 1300s. The others were destroyed during World War II. Ponte Vecchio is lined with shops that sell jewelry, art and souvenirs.

Photo By: Deborah Lynn Guber/Moment/Getty Images

Galleria dell’ Academia

Thousands of tourists converge on the Galleria dell’Accademia to see Michelangelo’s most famous sculpture, the statue of David.  In addition to works by Italian artists, the museum also has a section that displays musical instruments created by Bartolomeo Cristofori, the inventor of the piano, and a tenor viola made by Antonio Stradivari in 1690.

Photo By: Laura Lezza/Getty Images

Galleria degli Uffizi

Art aficionados will appreciate visiting the Galleria Degli Uffizi. This museum is one of the oldest and most famous art museums in Europe and the world. Artwork created by well-respected artists such as Michelangelo, Rembrandt and Leonardo da Vinci is on display here. Expect to wait up to five hours to get into the museum in July, during the city’s high tourist season.

Photo By: Juergen Richter/Look/Getty Images

Basilica of Santa Croce

While touring some of Florence’s popular churches, visitors may want to check out the Basilica of Santa Croce, located southeast of the Duomo. Well-known Italians such as Michelangelo, Galileo and Machiavelli are buried here.

Photo By: Bernard Tan/Moment Open/Getty Images

Linguini Carbonara Pancetta

Foodies will definitely want to sample the traditional Italian cuisine offered at hundreds of restaurants in Florence, including linguine carbonara pancetta. Feeling really adventurous? Take a class at a local cooking school to learn how to make classic Italian dishes.

Photo By: Monty Rakusen/Cultura/Getty Images

Piazzale Michelangelo

Built in 1869 and designed by architect Giuseppe Poggi, Piazzale Michelangelo, or Michelangelo Square, is the perfect place to get panoramic views of Florence. Dedicated to the Italian artist and sculptor, it features copies of his work, including a replica of the statue David.

Photo By: Jill Ann Spaulding/Moment Mobile/Getty Images

Boboli Gardens

If you’re visiting Palazzo Pitti — once the home of Florentine banker Luca Pitti — then don’t miss out on strolling behind it through the Boboli Gardens, which house a collection of sculptures from the 16th through 18th centuries. It’s not uncommon to see these historical gardens undergo some form of restoration throughout the year to maintain the landscape and dozens of statues on site.

Photo By: Nico Tondini/Robert Harding World Imagery/Getty Images

Next Up

The Most Romantic Places in Prague

The perfect place for lovebirds young and old.

11 Places to Have a Fling

Visit these 11 cities that are perfect for a fling.

10 Lower-Cost European Destinations

Save money with these hot-spot alternatives.

Unique Honeymoon Destinations

Check out unique honeymoon destinations from around the globe, including a South African safari and a jungle escape in Belize.

Poveglia Island's Haunted History

Ghost Adventures investigate Poveglia Island, used to exile plague victims and mental patients, near Venice, Italy.

Suite Deals for Travelers

Grab your pals, and make staying in a luxury suite an affordable experience.

Europe's Best Hostels

We've compiled a list of the best European hostels to meet fellow backpackers and get a restful night of sleep.

Medieval Britain

Great Britain is a storybook land of romantic castles, misty green fields, quaint villages -- and ghosts.

More Creepy Content

Follow Us Everywhere

Join the party! Don't miss Travel Channel in your favorite social media feeds.

On TV

10am | 9c
11am | 10c
12pm | 11c
1pm | 12c
2pm | 1c
3pm | 2c
4pm | 3c
5pm | 4c
6pm | 5c
On Tonight
On Tonight
8pm | 7c
10pm | 9c
11pm | 10c
12am | 11c
2am | 1c
3am | 2c