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

Monday Nov 13, 2023
7. Venice, Italy: How To Avoid 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 and links to places discussed: www.railsalesoldtowns.com/ep7
Support the show by buying me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/railsalesoldtowns
Follow @railsalesoldtowns on Instagram & Facebook for more Europe trip inspiration.

Saturday Oct 07, 2023
6. 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 and links to places discussed: http://www.railsalesoldtowns.com/ep6.
Support the show by buying me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/railsalesoldtowns
Follow @railsalesoldtowns on Instagram & Facebook for more Europe trip inspiration.

Sunday Aug 20, 2023
5. 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 and links to places discussed: http://www.railsalesoldtowns.com/ep5.
Support the show by buying me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/railsalesoldtowns
Follow @railsalesoldtowns on Instagram & Facebook for more Europe trip inspiration.

Monday Jul 17, 2023
4. Seville, Spain for Food and 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 and links to places discussed: http://www.railsalesoldtowns.com/ep4.
Support the show by buying me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/railsalesoldtowns
Follow @railsalesoldtowns on Instagram & Facebook for more Europe trip inspiration.

Saturday May 06, 2023
3. Graz, Austria: 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 and links to places discussed: http://www.railsalesoldtowns.com/ep3
Support the show by buying me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/railsalesoldtowns
Follow @railsalesoldtowns on Instagram & Facebook for more Europe trip inspiration.

Saturday Apr 01, 2023
2. London’s Best Historic Pubs: Where Pints Meet the Past
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 includes The Mayflower Pub, The Ye Olde Chesire Cheese and The Blackfriar.
Show notes and links to places discussed: http://www.railsalesoldtowns.com/ep2.
Support the show by buying me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/railsalesoldtowns
Follow @railsalesoldtowns on Instagram & Facebook for more Europe trip inspiration.

Wednesday Mar 01, 2023
1. 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.
Show notes and links to places discussed: http://www.railsalesoldtowns.com/ep1
Support the show by buying me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/railsalesoldtowns
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.
Theme music by Stu Wilson.








