Rails, Ales & Old Towns: The Europe Travel Podcast
Arts & Culture Podcasts
DON’T GO TO EUROPE ... without listening to this podcast. 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 travel tips and inspiration as Scott explores a wide range of European destinations—from the iconic to the underrated—alongside local experts and globetrotting friends. Scott has been going to Europe for nearly 20 years and, in addition to collecting an abundance of stories and insider advice, has developed a true passion for all the fun little things that make the European travel experience so special. Follow @railsalesoldtowns on Instagram & Facebook for European travel inspiration between episodes.
Location:
United States
Genres:
Arts & Culture Podcasts
Description:
DON’T GO TO EUROPE ... without listening to this podcast. 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 travel tips and inspiration as Scott explores a wide range of European destinations—from the iconic to the underrated—alongside local experts and globetrotting friends. Scott has been going to Europe for nearly 20 years and, in addition to collecting an abundance of stories and insider advice, has developed a true passion for all the fun little things that make the European travel experience so special. Follow @railsalesoldtowns on Instagram & Facebook for European travel inspiration between episodes.
Language:
English
Episodes
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
Cologne, Germany: Carnival, Kölsch Beer & Cool Neighborhoods
2/6/2024
Scott talks with Claudia Neumann (Director of Corporate Communications at Visit Cologne) during the lead-up to the city's famous Carnival celebrations about why Cologne might just be Germany's most underrated big city.
Show notes & links to places discussed can be found here: http://www.railsalesoldtowns.com/ep8.
Follow @railsalesoldtowns on Instagram & Facebook for more Europe trip inspiration.
Duration:00:26:48
Venice, Italy: How To Escape the Crowds; Traditional Venetian Rowing
11/13/2023
Learn how to discover a different side of Venice and leave the crowds behind. First, Scott speaks with Lucrezia Della Sala of Secret Venice Tours for a run-down of ways to see the local side of the city (including tips on food & drink). Then, Elena Almansi of Row Venice joins the show to talk about what it's like teaching visitors the art of traditional Venetian rowing.
Show notes & links to places discussed can be found here: www.railsalesoldtowns.com/ep7
Follow @railsalesoldtowns on Instagram & Facebook for more Europe trip inspiration.
Duration:00:39:44
Greece Travel Report: Athens, The Peloponnese, Crete & Santorini
10/7/2023
Scott is joined by longtime friend Chris Kramer for a full recount & review of his recent trip to Greece, an adventure that included stops in Athens, The Peloponnese, Crete and Santorini.
Show notes & links to places discussed can be found here: http://www.railsalesoldtowns.com/ep6.
Follow @railsalesoldtowns on Instagram & Facebook for more Europe trip inspiration.
Duration:00:33:38
The Joy of European Rail Travel
8/20/2023
Scott and co-founder of Vacations By Rail Todd Powell talk about the many reasons why traveling Europe by train is such a magnificent experience. Todd chooses his dream European trip.
Show notes & links to places discussed can be found here: http://www.railsalesoldtowns.com/ep5.
Follow @railsalesoldtowns on Instagram & Facebook for more Europe trip inspiration.
Duration:00:38:13
Seville, Spain for Food & Drink Lovers
7/17/2023
Whet your appetite for a trip to Seville. Scott chats with Baptiste Rogé of Food Lover Tour in Andalucia about all that makes this Spanish city so special, which includes a generous helping of great Seville food & drink. Baptiste chooses his dream European trip.
Show notes & links to places discussed can be found here: http://www.railsalesoldtowns.com/ep4.
Follow @railsalesoldtowns on Instagram & Facebook for more Europe trip inspiration.
Duration:00:36:02
Graz, Austria Is One of Europe’s Top Hidden Gems
5/6/2023
Get to know a true hidden gem in Europe: Graz, Austria. Scott is joined by Sigrid Alber, a tour guide who has been showing travelers around her city for over 30 years. Sigrid chooses her dream trip to Europe.
Show notes can be found here: http://www.railsalesoldtowns.com/ep3
Follow @railsalesoldtowns on Instagram & Facebook for more Europe trip inspiration.
Duration:00:36:57
A Guide to London’s Best Historic Pubs
4/1/2023
Yes, it's true: one of the top things to do in London is go to the pub.
Scott is joined by author and co-founder of Liquid History Tours John Warland to talk about some of the best pubs in London and how these historic watering holes tell the story of the city. From some of the oldest pubs in the city to the most interesting ones, we cover it all while John pours out advice on how to make the most of your pub visit.
A small sampling of the pubs covered include The Mayflower Pub, The Ye Olde Chesire Cheese and The Blackfriar.
Show notes can be found here: http://www.railsalesoldtowns.com/ep2.
Follow @railsalesoldtowns on Instagram & Facebook for more Europe trip inspiration.
Duration:00:41:42
Europe Travel Memories, Dream Europe Trips & More
3/1/2023
Scott is joined by longtime friend, world traveler & former travel writer Adam Seper to talk about past Europe trips and an upcoming one to Croatia. Adam & Scott choose their dream trips to Europe.
Links to places discussed can be found here: http://www.railsalesoldtowns.com/ep1
Follow @railsalesoldtowns on Instagram & Facebook for more Europe trip inspiration.
Duration:00:40:18