Rails, Ales & Old Towns: A Europe Travel Podcast
*Returns March 2025* 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
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.
Monday Nov 13, 2023
Venice, Italy: How To Escape the Crowds; Traditional Venetian Rowing
Monday Nov 13, 2023
Monday Nov 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.
Saturday Oct 07, 2023
Greece Travel Report: Athens, The Peloponnese, Crete & Santorini
Saturday Oct 07, 2023
Saturday Oct 07, 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.
Sunday Aug 20, 2023
The Joy of European Rail Travel
Sunday Aug 20, 2023
Sunday Aug 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.
Monday Jul 17, 2023
Seville, Spain for Food & Drink Lovers
Monday Jul 17, 2023
Monday Jul 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.
Saturday May 06, 2023
Graz, Austria Is One of Europe’s Top Hidden Gems
Saturday May 06, 2023
Saturday May 06, 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.
Saturday Apr 01, 2023
A Guide to London’s Best Historic Pubs
Saturday Apr 01, 2023
Saturday Apr 01, 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.
Wednesday Mar 01, 2023
Europe Travel Memories, Dream Europe Trips & More
Wednesday Mar 01, 2023
Wednesday Mar 01, 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.
Wednesday Mar 01, 2023
Welcome to Rails, Ales & Old Towns
Wednesday Mar 01, 2023
Wednesday Mar 01, 2023
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.