Rails, Ales & Old Towns: The Europe Travel Podcast
Arts & Culture Podcasts
Go to Europe anytime you want, as writer and lover of European travel Scott Hartbeck takes you on a grand tour of the continent, celebrating all the great things to eat, drink and do while you’re there.
Expect plenty of stories, advice and trip inspiration as he explores destinations—from the iconic to the underrated—alongside guests from across the spectrum of European travel. From tour guides, authors and beer & wine connoisseurs to rail travel aficionados and the occasional globetrotting friend, you never know who will come along for the ride.
Scott has been going to Europe for 20 years and has a passion for all the fun little things that make the European travel experience so special. Think happy hours in the train dining car instead of hours spent waiting in line at overcrowded attractions.
Whether you’re planning a future trip or want to relive the magic of a past European adventure, this podcast will take you there.
Location:
United States
Genres:
Arts & Culture Podcasts
Description:
Go to Europe anytime you want, as writer and lover of European travel Scott Hartbeck takes you on a grand tour of the continent, celebrating all the great things to eat, drink and do while you’re there. Expect plenty of stories, advice and trip inspiration as he explores destinations—from the iconic to the underrated—alongside guests from across the spectrum of European travel. From tour guides, authors and beer & wine connoisseurs to rail travel aficionados and the occasional globetrotting friend, you never know who will come along for the ride. Scott has been going to Europe for 20 years and has a passion for all the fun little things that make the European travel experience so special. Think happy hours in the train dining car instead of hours spent waiting in line at overcrowded attractions. Whether you’re planning a future trip or want to relive the magic of a past European adventure, this podcast will take you there.
Language:
English
Episodes
28. Glasgow, Scotland: Get There Before Everyone Else Does
9/19/2025
Scott is joined by Gillian Morrison, founder of Glasgow Food & Drink Tour, for a flavorful journey through Scotland’s biggest city. In addition to talking about Glasgow’s buzzing food scene (she covers everything from traditional Scottish fare to incredible Indian food), Gillian fills us in on Glasgow's legendary music culture, iconic pubs and some of its best-kept secrets. Naturally, there's a little rail travel and local beer talk thrown in, too.
Show notes and links to places discussed can be found here:
https://www.railsalesoldtowns.com/ep28
Follow @railsalesoldtowns on Instagram & Facebook for more European travel inspiration.
Theme music by Stu Wilson.
Duration:00:43:29
27. Interlaken: Where Swiss Traditions Meet Alpine Adventures
8/27/2025
Scott is joined by Celina Finger of Interlaken Tourism to talk about this special resort in the heart of Switzerland. Celina talks about the special history of the town before giving us a lowdown on all the best things to do and see there today, with a few insider tips and hidden gems along the way.
Show notes and links to places discussed can be found here:
https://www.railsalesoldtowns.com/ep27
Follow @railsalesoldtowns on Instagram & Facebook for more European travel inspiration.
Theme music by Stu Wilson.
Duration:00:34:33
26. The Best German Beer Festivals Beyond Oktoberfest
8/13/2025
Scott is joined by German beer expert Franz Hofer for a tour to five of Germany's best beer festivals besides Oktoberfest in Munich. Franz reveals some of the fascinating origins of the fests before detailing what to expect at each one, and pouring out some advice on what to drink when you're there.
Links to Franz's website and all festivals & beers discussed can be found here:
https://www.railsalesoldtowns.com/ep26
Follow @railsalesoldtowns on Instagram & Facebook for more European travel inspiration.
Theme music by Stu Wilson.
Duration:01:01:20
25. Europe by Rail: The Book, Its Author, and a Continent Full of Adventures
7/31/2025
This one's for the rail travel lovers as Scott is joined by Nicky Gardner, lead author of Europe by Rail, to talk about her book in addition to favorite train routes, scenic views, the advantages of slowing down to savor Europe and much more. They also take a nostalgic look at Eurail (Interrail) passes through the years.
Show notes and links to places discussed can be found here:
https://www.railsalesoldtowns.com/ep25
Follow @railsalesoldtowns on Instagram & Facebook for more European travel inspiration.
Theme music by Stu Wilson.
Duration:00:49:51
Brussels, Belgium: Quirky, Delicious, Underrated
7/18/2025
Scott is joined by the founder of Hungry Mary Food Tours to talk about all the delicious reasons why you should visit Brussels ... and to dissect why this great city still flies under the radar. Mary drops some knowledge about Belgian culture and the city's iconic sights while also offering up tons of tips on where to eat and drink in the city.
Show notes and links to places discussed can be found here:
https://www.railsalesoldtowns.com/ep24
Follow @railsalesoldtowns on Instagram & Facebook for more European travel inspiration.
Theme music by Stu Wilson
Duration:00:39:38
Paris by the Pint
6/25/2025
Scott is joined by founder of Paname Brewing Company Michael Kennedy to talk about his brewery and living in the City of Light. Michael is a long-time resident in Paris and after talking about his brewery, its beers and special location, he pours some advice on some hidden gems in the city and places to enjoy a Paris sunset.
Show notes and links to places discussed can be found here:
https://www.railsalesoldtowns.com/ep23
Follow @railsalesoldtowns on Instagram & Facebook for more European travel inspiration.
Duration:00:33:55
Naples, Italy Travel Report: Pizza, Pompeii & Piazzas
6/12/2025
Scott is joined by longtime friend Stu Wilson, whom he met while traveling in Europe. Scott and Stu give a breakdown of that eventful night in Vienna before Stu paints a picture of his recent trip to Naples, Italy, including some tips on visiting Pompeii, Mt. Vesuvius and places where he enjoyed pizza in the city. (The discussion of Naples begins around the 15:00 mark.)
Show notes and links to all places discussed can be found here: https://www.railsalesoldtowns.com/ep22.
Follow @railsalesoldtowns on Instagram & Facebook for more European travel inspiration.
Duration:00:46:11
Barcelona, Spain: How To Eat, Drink & 'Sea' the City Like a Local
5/21/2025
Scott is joined by Matt Floret, the founder of Food Lover Tour, to talk about all the great things to eat, drink, and do in Barcelona, Spain. Matt serves up his personal recommendations of restaurants, bars, and places to avoid the crowds and also suggests some lesser-known things to do in the city.
Show notes and links to all places discussed can be found here: https://www.railsalesoldtowns.com/ep21.
Follow @railsalesoldtowns on Instagram & Facebook for more European travel inspiration.
Duration:00:49:33
Crowded Platforms and Window Seats: One Family's European Rail Adventure
4/9/2025
Scott is joined by Judy Yorke, author of Crowded Platforms and Window Seats, to discuss the fantastic family Interrail (Eurail) trip that inspired her book. In addition, they chat at length about the all-around magic of European rail travel, and Judy dishes out advice for families looking to follow in her footsteps.
Show notes & links to all places discussed can be found here: https://www.railsalesoldtowns.com/ep20.
Follow @railsalesoldtowns on Instagram & Facebook for more Europe travel inspiration.
Duration:00:51:17
Stockholm, Sweden: Beer Bars, Sunken Ships & Island Trips
3/12/2025
Scott is joined by Joel Hedman, a Stockholm tour guide and beer judge to talk about what makes his hometown such a great place to visit. Joel recommends his favorite beer bars in the city (with an emphasis on the cool Södermalm neighborhood) before talking about post-drink snacks and all the other great things to do in Stockholm, like visiting famous sights like the Vasa Museum & offbeat attractions, taking day trips to the local islands and taking part in Swedish festivals. Plus more riveting, informative content.
Show notes & links to all places discussed can be found here: https://www.railsalesoldtowns.com/ep19.
Follow @railsalesoldtowns on Instagram & Facebook for more Europe travel inspiration.
Duration:00:55:09
Prague Is for Beer Lovers
12/10/2024
Scott is joined by Lukáš Vondra, founder of Prague Beer Guides, to talk about the beer culture in the Czech capital and some of the best off-the-beaten-path things to do and see in the city. Lukáš also talks about what it's like guiding visitors around Prague, recommends some of his favorite pubs and tells us what food to eat while drinking Czech pilsner.
Show notes & links to pubs and places discussed can be found here: https://www.railsalesoldtowns.com/ep18.
Follow @railsalesoldtowns on Instagram & Facebook for more Europe trip inspiration.
Duration:00:46:23
Croatia Travel Report: Dubrovnik, Korčula, Hvar & Šolta
10/24/2024
Scott welcomes back longtime friend, world traveler & former travel writer Adam Seper for a full account of his recent trip to Croatia. Adam and his family visited multiple islands in addition to Plitvice Lakes National Park, and on the show, Adam offers up some advice you'll want to know if you're considering a trip to Croatia.
Show notes & links to places discussed can be found here: https://www.railsalesoldtowns.com/ep17.
Follow @railsalesoldtowns on Instagram & Facebook for more Europe trip inspiration.
Duration:00:36:49
Exploring Provence, France on Foot
9/25/2024
Scott is joined by travel writer Rory Moulton to talk about The Luberon Loop, which is his custom guide to walking one of France's most wonderful regions. Show notes & links to places discussed can be found here: https://www.railsalesoldtowns.com/ep16.
Follow @railsalesoldtowns on Instagram & Facebook for more Europe trip inspiration.
Duration:00:35:44
The Eurail Pass: Rockstar of European Rail Travel
7/23/2024
Rail is by far the best way to see Europe, and the best way to experience Europe by rail is with a Eurail pass (Interrail pass). In this episode, Scott is joined by Hugo Van Vondelen from Eurail to discuss what makes the legendary rail pass unique while sharing plenty of tips and tales of riding the rails.
Show notes & links to places discussed can be found here: https://railsalesoldtowns.com/ep15
Follow @railsalesoldtowns on Instagram & Facebook for more Europe trip inspiration.
Duration:00:37:56
The Great Beer Gardens of Bavaria, Germany
6/28/2024
Scott chats with Franz Hofer, an expert on German beer culture, about the charm of the beer gardens in Germany's Bavaria region and why they are so much more than just a place to have a beer. Franz gives a quick history lesson of these heavenly al fresco drinking spots before serving up tips on some of the best beer gardens to see during your next trip.
Show notes & links to all beer gardens discussed can be found here: https://www.railsalesoldtowns.com/ep14.
Follow @railsalesoldtowns on Instagram & Facebook for more Europe trip inspiration.
Duration:00:48:19
All Things Amsterdam With an Authentic Canal Boat Captain
4/23/2024
Scott is joined by Neil Robinson, comedian and co-founder of canal boat tour company Those Dam Boat Guys to talk about why Amsterdam is such a special place. Neil gives his local advice for visiting, including tips on waterside bars, under-the-radar attractions and food to try in the city.
Show notes & links to places discussed can be found here: http://www.railsalesoldtowns.com/ep13.
Follow @railsalesoldtowns on Instagram & Facebook for more Europe trip inspiration
Duration:00:40:50
Portugal By Rail & Local Lisbon Travel Tips
4/9/2024
Scott is joined by travel writer Joana Taborda to talk about the fun of exploring her home country of Portugal by rail and to discuss some of her favorite Portuguese travel destinations. Then, Joana shares some tips for making the most of your time in Lisbon, including advice on craft breweries, scenic overlooks and the best month to visit.
Show notes & links to places discussed can be found here: http://www.railsalesoldtowns.com/ep12.
Follow @railsalesoldtowns on Instagram & Facebook for more Europe trip inspiration.
Duration:00:28:49
A Toast to Hungarian Wine and Budapest
3/27/2024
Scott is joined by Gábor Bánfalvi from Taste Hungary for a fun dive into the Hungarian wine scene. After a whirlwind tour of some of Hungary's best wine regions and grapes, Gábor gives some personal tips for experiencing the capital Budapest.
Show notes & links to places discussed can be found here: http://www.railsalesoldtowns.com/ep11.
Follow @railsalesoldtowns on Instagram & Facebook for more Europe trip inspiration.
Duration:00:30:53
Whatever You Do, Don't Skip Belgium & Belgian Beer
3/12/2024
Scott is joined by Stu Stuart (founder of Belgian Beer Me! Tours) to talk about why underrated Belgium is such a sensational European destination. Stu shares personal Belgium travel tips, including advice on beer cafes in Bruges & frites in Ghent, and stories from his years of leading beer pilgrims on tours across Belgium.
Show notes & links to places discussed can be found here: http://www.railsalesoldtowns.com/ep10.
Follow @railsalesoldtowns on Instagram & Facebook for more Europe trip inspiration.
Duration:00:42:16
Rome, Italy: Food & Travel Tips From a Local Expert
2/27/2024
Scott is joined by Kenny Dunn, founder of Eating Europe food tours, for a food-focused chat about Rome featuring plenty of personal recommendations and advice on pizza, coffee and late-night bites. Kenny also suggests some of his favorite lesser-known things to see and do in the city.
Show notes & links to places discussed can be found here: http://www.railsalesoldtowns.com/ep9.
Follow @railsalesoldtowns on Instagram & Facebook for more Europe trip inspiration.
Duration:00:37:22