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.
Episodes

7 days ago
7 days ago
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.

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.
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.

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
Follow @railsalesoldtowns on Instagram & Facebook for more European travel inspiration.
Theme music by Stu Wilson.

Friday Jul 18, 2025
24. Brussels, Belgium: Quirky, Delicious, Underrated
Friday Jul 18, 2025
Friday Jul 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.

Wednesday Jun 25, 2025
23. Craft Beer in Paris: Paname Brewing Company
Wednesday Jun 25, 2025
Wednesday Jun 25, 2025
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 travel inspiration.
Theme music by Stu Wilson.

Thursday Jun 12, 2025
22. Naples, Italy Travel Report: Pizza, Pompeii & Piazzas
Thursday Jun 12, 2025
Thursday Jun 12, 2025
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 @railsalesoldtowns on Instagram & Facebook for more European travel inspiration.
Theme music by Stu Wilson, yes, that Stu Wilson.

Wednesday May 21, 2025
21. Barcelona, Spain: How To Eat, Drink & 'Sea' the City Like a Local
Wednesday May 21, 2025
Wednesday May 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.
Theme music by Stu Wilson.

Wednesday Apr 09, 2025
20. Crowded Platforms and Window Seats: One Family's European Rail Adventure
Wednesday Apr 09, 2025
Wednesday Apr 09, 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.
Theme music by Stu Wilson.

Wednesday Mar 12, 2025
19. Stockholm, Sweden: Beer Bars, Sunken Ships & Island Trips
Wednesday Mar 12, 2025
Wednesday Mar 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-bar 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 much more.
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.

Tuesday Dec 10, 2024
18. Prague: Hidden Gems and Heavenly Beer Pubs
Tuesday Dec 10, 2024
Tuesday Dec 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.
Theme music by Stu Wilson.