Rails, Ales & Old Towns: A Europe Travel Podcast
Get set for your next trip to Europe by joining writer and lover of European travel Scott Hartbeck 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.
Episodes
Thursday Oct 24, 2024
Croatia Travel Report: Dubrovnik, Korčula, Hvar & Šolta
Thursday Oct 24, 2024
Thursday Oct 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.
Wednesday Sep 25, 2024
Exploring Provence, France on Foot
Wednesday Sep 25, 2024
Wednesday Sep 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.
Tuesday Jul 23, 2024
The Eurail Pass: Rockstar of European Rail Travel
Tuesday Jul 23, 2024
Tuesday Jul 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.
Friday Jun 28, 2024
The Great Beer Gardens of Bavaria, Germany
Friday Jun 28, 2024
Friday Jun 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.
Tuesday Apr 23, 2024
All Things Amsterdam With an Authentic Canal Boat Captain
Tuesday Apr 23, 2024
Tuesday Apr 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
Tuesday Apr 09, 2024
Portugal By Rail & Local Lisbon Travel Tips
Tuesday Apr 09, 2024
Tuesday Apr 09, 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.
Wednesday Mar 27, 2024
A Toast to Hungarian Wine and Budapest
Wednesday Mar 27, 2024
Wednesday Mar 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.
Tuesday Mar 12, 2024
Whatever You Do, Don't Skip Belgium & Belgian Beer
Tuesday Mar 12, 2024
Tuesday Mar 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.
Tuesday Feb 27, 2024
Rome, Italy: Food & Travel Tips From a Local Expert
Tuesday Feb 27, 2024
Tuesday Feb 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.
Tuesday Feb 06, 2024
Cologne, Germany: Carnival, Kölsch Beer & Cool Neighborhoods
Tuesday Feb 06, 2024
Tuesday Feb 06, 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.