Rails, Ales & Old Towns: The Europe Travel Podcast - podcast cover

Rails, Ales & Old Towns: The Europe Travel Podcast

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.
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Episodes

24. Brussels, Belgium: Quirky, Delicious, Underrated

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 ...

Jul 18, 202540 minEp. 24

23. Craft Pints in Paris: Paname Brewing Company

Scott is joined by Michael Kennedy, founder of Paname Brewing Company, to talk about his craft brewery and living in the City of Light. Michael is a long-time resident in Paris and after chatting about Paname, its beers and special location, he pours out some advice on 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...

Jun 25, 202534 minEp. 23

22. Naples, Italy Travel Report: Pizza, Pompeii & Piazzas

Scott is joined by longtime friend Stu Wilson, whom he met while traveling in Europe. Scott and Stu recall the eventful night in Vienna when they became pals before Stu paints a picture of his recent trip to Naples, Italy. Stu dishes out 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 @railsa...

Jun 12, 202546 minEp. 22

21. Barcelona, Spain: How To Eat, Drink & 'Sea' the City Like a Local

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....

May 21, 202550 minEp. 21

20. Crowded Platforms and Window Seats: One Family's European Rail Adventure

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 trave...

Apr 09, 202551 minEp. 20

19. Stockholm, Sweden: Beer Bars, Sunken Ships & Island Trips

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 riveti...

Mar 12, 202555 minEp. 19

18. Prague: Hidden Gems and Heavenly Beer Pubs

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 I...

Dec 10, 202446 minEp. 18

17. Croatia Travel Report: Dubrovnik, Korčula, Hvar & Šolta

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...

Oct 24, 202438 minEp. 17

16. Exploring Provence, France on Foot

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....

Sep 25, 202436 minEp. 16

15. The Eurail Pass: Rockstar of European Rail Travel

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....

Jul 23, 202438 minEp. 15

14. The Great Beer Gardens of Bavaria, Germany

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 In...

Jun 28, 202448 minEp. 14

13. Amsterdam Travel Tips From a Cool Canal Boat Captain

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...

Apr 23, 202441 minEp. 13

12. Travel Lisbon Like a Local & Exploring Portugal by Rail

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 f...

Apr 09, 202429 minEp. 12

11. Budapest, Hungary and Hungarian Wine Country

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....

Mar 27, 202431 minEp. 11

10. Whatever You Do, Don't Skip Belgium & Belgian Beer

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...

Mar 12, 202442 minEp. 10

9. Rome, Italy: Food & Travel Tips From a Local Expert

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....

Feb 27, 202437 minEp. 9

8. Cologne, Germany: Carnival, Kölsch Beer & Cool Neighborhoods

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....

Feb 06, 202427 minEp. 8

7. Venice, Italy: How To Avoid the Crowds; Traditional Venetian Rowing

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 In...

Nov 13, 202340 minEp. 7

6. Greece Travel Report: Athens, The Peloponnese, Crete & Santorini

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....

Oct 07, 202334 minEp. 6

5. The Joy of European Rail Travel

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....

Aug 20, 202338 minEp. 5

4. Seville, Spain for Food and Drink Lovers

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....

Jul 17, 202336 minEp. 4

3. Graz, Austria: One of Europe’s Top Hidden Gems

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....

May 06, 202337 minEp. 3

2. London’s Best Historic Pubs: Where Pints Meet the Past

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 includes The Mayflower Pub, The Ye Olde Che...

Apr 01, 202342 minEp. 2

1. Europe Travel Memories, Dream Europe Trips & More

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....

Mar 01, 202341 minEp. 1

Welcome to Rails, Ales & Old Towns

Quick description of what this podcast is going to be all about. (Hope you like Europe!) Follow @railsalesoldtowns on Instagram & Facebook for more European travel inspiration.

Mar 01, 20232 min
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