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.
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.
Episodes

7 days ago
7 days ago
Travel writer Jules Brown joins Scott to talk about the rail adventure that inspired his book Not Cool: Europe by Train in a Heatwave. Jules relives the highlights (and hilarious lowlights) of the adventure that saw him visit Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Bratislava, Ljubljana, Zagreb, Liechtenstein, Zurich and Milan in quick succession ... during a sweltering heatwave. Jules also shares how he got into travel writing and gives the lowdown about his other European rail-focused book.
Show notes and links to places discussed: https://www.railsalesoldtowns.com/ep34
Support the show by buying me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/railsalesoldtowns
Follow @railsalesoldtowns on Instagram & Facebook for more European travel inspiration.
Theme music by Stu Wilson.

Sunday Nov 30, 2025
33. Discover Why Saxony Is Germany’s Christmas Capital
Sunday Nov 30, 2025
Sunday Nov 30, 2025
Scott is joined by Wolfgang Gärtner of Saxony Tourism for a special holiday episode about what makes Saxony the true heart of German Christmas. Wolfgang takes us on a merry tour of Dresden and the Ore Mountains, famed for their Christmas markets, festive food, wooden toys, candle arches, nutcrackers, miners' parades and many more seasonal delights. Along the way, you’ll discover a hidden gem town in Gorlitz and find out why the region of Saxony captures the magic of the holiday season like nowhere else in Germany.
Show notes and links to places discussed: https://www.railsalesoldtowns.com/ep33
Support the show by buying me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/railsalesoldtowns
Follow @railsalesoldtowns on Instagram & Facebook for more European travel inspiration.
Theme music by Stu Wilson.

Tuesday Nov 25, 2025
32. Marseille: A Foodie City Unlike Anywhere Else in France
Tuesday Nov 25, 2025
Tuesday Nov 25, 2025
Fresh off his first visit, Scott is joined by travel and food writer Alexis Steinman to explore why Marseille is one of France’s most interesting—and most mouthwatering—cities. Alexis explains what makes the city so unique, from its layered identity and Mediterranean energy to the delicious signature dishes and local aperitif that define its diverse food culture. Along the way, Alexis shares plenty of tips on where to eat, drink and experience the one-of-a-kind spirit of Marseille.
Show notes and links to places discussed: https://www.railsalesoldtowns.com/ep32
Support the show by buying me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/railsalesoldtowns
Follow @railsalesoldtowns on Instagram & Facebook for more European travel inspiration.
Theme music by Stu Wilson.

Thursday Oct 30, 2025
31. Why a Soccer Game Should Be on Your European Itinerary
Thursday Oct 30, 2025
Thursday Oct 30, 2025
Scott is joined by Paul Gerald, founder of Groundhopper Guides, to talk about the unforgettable experience of watching European soccer. They discuss Paul’s stadium adventures, why attending a match is one of the best ways to get to know a city and Paul’s tips for travelers planning their own soccer-centric European trip. Plus much more.
Show notes and links to places discussed: https://www.railsalesoldtowns.com/ep31
Support the show by buying me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/railsalesoldtowns
Follow @railsalesoldtowns on Instagram & Facebook for more European travel inspiration.
Theme music by Stu Wilson.

Wednesday Oct 15, 2025
30. Meet European Sleeper: Europe’s Newest Night Train Company
Wednesday Oct 15, 2025
Wednesday Oct 15, 2025
Scott is joined by Chris Engelsman—co-founder of European Sleeper, Europe's newest night train service—to talk about the special experience that night trains offer, what makes European Sleeper unique, highlights from its routes, and what to expect from the brand in the years ahead—plus a few travel tales from the rails.
Show notes and links to places discussed: https://www.railsalesoldtowns.com/ep30
Support the show by buying me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/railsalesoldtowns
Follow @railsalesoldtowns on Instagram & Facebook for more European travel inspiration.
Theme music by Stu Wilson.

Tuesday Sep 30, 2025
29. Ten of the Best Bars in Europe (and What Makes Them Special)
Tuesday Sep 30, 2025
Tuesday Sep 30, 2025
Scott is joined by Jack Anderton, the founder of The European Bar Guide, to talk about the magic to be found at 10 of Europe's best bars. From hidden gems to icons, their conversation covers them all and offers plenty of inspiration for your next trip with stories of character-filled bars & pubs that capture the spirit of their cities.
Show notes and links to places discussed: https://www.railsalesoldtowns.com/ep29
Support the show by buying me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/railsalesoldtowns
Follow @railsalesoldtowns on Instagram & Facebook for more European travel inspiration.
Theme music by Stu Wilson.

Friday Sep 19, 2025
28. Glasgow, Scotland: Get There Before Everybody Else Does
Friday Sep 19, 2025
Friday Sep 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: https://www.railsalesoldtowns.com/ep28
Support the show by buying me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/railsalesoldtowns
Follow @railsalesoldtowns on Instagram & Facebook for more European travel inspiration.
Theme music by Stu Wilson.

Wednesday Aug 27, 2025
27. Interlaken: Where Swiss Traditions Meet Alpine Adventures
Wednesday Aug 27, 2025
Wednesday Aug 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 unique 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: https://www.railsalesoldtowns.com/ep27
Support the show by buying me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/railsalesoldtowns
Follow @railsalesoldtowns on Instagram & Facebook for more European travel inspiration.
Theme music by Stu Wilson.

Wednesday Aug 13, 2025
26. The Best German Beer Festivals Beyond Oktoberfest
Wednesday Aug 13, 2025
Wednesday Aug 13, 2025
Scott welcomes back German beer expert Franz Hofer for a tour of the best beer festivals in Germany outside of Oktoberfest in Munich. Franz reveals 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.
Show notes and links to places discussed: https://www.railsalesoldtowns.com/ep26
Support the show by buying me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/railsalesoldtowns
Follow @railsalesoldtowns on Instagram & Facebook for more European travel inspiration.
Theme music by Stu Wilson.

Thursday Jul 31, 2025
25. Europe by Rail: The Book, Its Author and a Continent Full of Adventures
Thursday Jul 31, 2025
Thursday Jul 31, 2025
This one’s for the rail travel lovers, as Scott is joined by Nicky Gardner, lead author of Europe by Rail: The Definitive Guide, to talk about her book, favorite train routes, the advantages of slowing down to savor Europe, and the mystique of Eurail (Interrail) passes. Plus much more.
Show notes and links to places discussed can be found here:
https://www.railsalesoldtowns.com/ep25
Support the show by buying me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/railsalesoldtowns
Follow @railsalesoldtowns on Instagram & Facebook for more European travel inspiration.
Theme music by Stu Wilson.








