Rails, Ales & Old Towns: The Europe Travel Podcast

By Scott HartbeckSociety & Culture Arts Leisure Places & Travel Food

Rails, Ales & Old Towns: The Europe Travel Podcast episodes

February 11 34. Nine Nights, Nine Countries, One Crazy Rail Trip | Jules Brown
Travel writer Jules Brown joins Scott to talk about the rail adventure that inspired his book Not Cool: Europe by Train in a Heatwave. Jules relives the highlights (and hilarious lowlights) of the adventure that saw him visit Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Bratislava, Ljubljana, Zagreb, Liechtenstein, Zurich and Milan in quick succession ... during a sweltering heatwave. Jules also shares how he got into travel writing and gives the lowdown about his other European rail-focused book.
Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/railsalesoldtowns
Show notes and links to places discussed: https://www.railsalesoldtowns.com/ep34
Follow @railsalesoldtowns on Instagram & Facebook for more European travel inspiration.
Theme music by Stu Wilson.
49 min
November 30, 2025 33. Discover Why Saxony Is Germany’s Christmas Capital | Wolfgang Gärtner
Scott is joined by Wolfgang Gärtner of Saxony Tourism for a special holiday episode about what makes Saxony the true heart of German Christmas. Wolfgang takes us on a merry tour of Dresden and the Ore Mountains, famed for their Christmas markets, festive food, wooden toys, candle arches, nutcrackers, miners' parades and many more seasonal delights. Along the way, you’ll discover a hidden gem town in Gorlitz and find out why the region of Saxony captures the magic of the holiday season like nowhere else in Germany.
Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/railsalesoldtowns
Show notes and links to places discussed: https://www.railsalesoldtowns.com/ep33
Follow @railsalesoldtowns on Instagram & Facebook for more European travel inspiration.
Theme music by Stu Wilson.
48 min
November 25, 2025 32. Marseille: A Foodie City Unlike Anywhere Else in France | Alexis Steinman
Fresh off his first visit, Scott is joined by travel and food writer Alexis Steinman to explore why Marseille is one of France’s most interesting—and most mouthwatering—cities. Alexis explains what makes the city so unique, from its layered identity and Mediterranean energy to the delicious signature dishes and local aperitif that define its diverse food culture. Along the way, Alexis shares plenty of tips on where to eat, drink and experience the one-of-a-kind spirit of Marseille.
Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/railsalesoldtowns
Show notes and links to places discussed: https://www.railsalesoldtowns.com/ep32
Follow @railsalesoldtowns on Instagram & Facebook for more European travel inspiration.
Theme music by Stu Wilson.
47 min
October 30, 2025 31. Why a Soccer Game Should Be on Your European Itinerary | Paul Gerald
Scott is joined by Paul Gerald, founder of Groundhopper Guides, to talk about the unforgettable experience of watching European soccer. They discuss Paul’s stadium adventures, why attending a match is one of the best ways to get to know a city and Paul’s tips for travelers planning their own soccer-centric European trip. Plus much more.
Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/railsalesoldtowns
Show notes and links to places discussed: https://www.railsalesoldtowns.com/ep31
Follow @railsalesoldtowns on Instagram & Facebook for more European travel inspiration.
Theme music by Stu Wilson.
44 min
October 15, 2025 30. Meet European Sleeper: Europe’s Newest Night Train Company | Chris Engelsman
Scott is joined by Chris Engelsman—co-founder of European Sleeper, Europe's newest night train service—to talk about the special experience that night trains offer, what makes European Sleeper unique, highlights from its routes, and what to expect from the brand in the years ahead—plus a few travel tales from the rails.
Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/railsalesoldtowns
Show notes and links to places discussed: https://www.railsalesoldtowns.com/ep30
Follow @railsalesoldtowns on Instagram & Facebook for more European travel inspiration.
Theme music by Stu Wilson.
27 min
September 30, 2025 29. Ten of the Best Bars in Europe (and What Makes Them Special) | Jack Anderton
Scott is joined by Jack Anderton, the founder of The European Bar Guide, to talk about the magic to be found at 10 of Europe's best bars. From hidden gems to icons, their conversation covers them all and offers plenty of inspiration for your next trip with stories of character-filled bars & pubs that capture the spirit of their cities.
Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/railsalesoldtowns
Show notes and links to places discussed: https://www.railsalesoldtowns.com/ep29
Follow @railsalesoldtowns on Instagram & Facebook for more European travel inspiration.
Theme music by Stu Wilson.
57 min
September 19, 2025 28. Glasgow, Scotland: Get There Before Everybody Else Does | Gillian Morrison
Scott is joined by Gillian Morrison, founder of Glasgow Food & Drink Tour, for a flavorful journey through Scotland’s biggest city. In addition to talking about Glasgow’s buzzing food scene (she covers everything from traditional Scottish fare to incredible Indian food), Gillian fills us in on Glasgow's legendary music culture, iconic pubs and some of its best-kept secrets. Naturally, there's a little rail travel and local beer talk thrown in, too.
Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/railsalesoldtowns
Show notes and links to places discussed: https://www.railsalesoldtowns.com/ep28
Follow @railsalesoldtowns on Instagram & Facebook for more European travel inspiration.
Theme music by Stu Wilson.
44 min
August 27, 2025 27. Interlaken, Switzerland: Where Swiss Traditions Meet Alpine Thrills | Celina Finger
Scott is joined by Celina Finger of Interlaken Tourism to talk about this special resort in the heart of Switzerland. Celina talks about the unique 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.
Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/railsalesoldtowns
Show notes and links to places discussed: https://www.railsalesoldtowns.com/ep27
Follow @railsalesoldtowns on Instagram & Facebook for more European travel inspiration.
Theme music by Stu Wilson.
35 min
August 13, 2025 26. The Best German Beer Festivals Beyond Oktoberfest | Franz D. Hofer
Scott welcomes back German beer expert Franz D. 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.
Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/railsalesoldtowns
Show notes and links to places discussed: https://www.railsalesoldtowns.com/ep26
Follow @railsalesoldtowns on Instagram & Facebook for more European travel inspiration.
Theme music by Stu Wilson.
1 hr 1 min
July 31, 2025 25. Europe by Rail: The Book, Its Author and a Continent Full of Adventures | Nicky Gardner
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.
Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/railsalesoldtowns
Show notes and links to places discussed: https://www.railsalesoldtowns.com/ep25
Follow @railsalesoldtowns on Instagram & Facebook for more European travel inspiration.
Theme music by Stu Wilson.
50 min

About Rails, Ales & Old Towns: The Europe Travel Podcast

From the publisher's feed

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…