Rails, Ales & Old Towns: A Europe Travel Podcast

Apr 09 2024 1

Rails, Ales & Old Towns: A Europe Travel Podcast artwork

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.

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Exploring Portugal By Rail & Local Lisbon Travel Tips

Apr 09 2024 28 mins

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 discusse

A Toast to Hungarian Wine and Budapest

Mar 27 2024 30 mins

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 Instagra

Whatever You Do, Don't Skip Belgium & Belgian Beer

Mar 12 2024 42 mins

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

Rome, Italy: Food & Travel Tips From a Local Expert

Feb 27 2024 37 mins

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

Cologne, Germany: Carnival, Kölsch Beer & Cool Neighborhoods

Feb 06 2024 26 mins

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 Eu

Venice, Italy: How To Escape the Crowds; Traditional Venetian Rowing

Nov 13 2023 39 mins

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 no

Greece Travel Report: Athens, The Peloponnese, Crete & Santorini

Oct 07 2023 33 mins

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.

The Joy of European Rail Travel

Aug 20 2023 38 mins

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.

Seville, Spain for Food & Drink Lovers

Jul 17 2023 36 mins

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 @railsale

Graz, Austria Is One of Europe’s Top Hidden Gems

May 06 2023 37 mins

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.