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
Carolien Krijnen, a passionate Antwerp tour guide, joins Scott to share her love for Antwerp, the city she calls home, and offer a local's take on experiencing the sights, food and drink of this stylish Belgian city.
On the show, Carolien talks about Antwerp's famous sights, like the gorgeous rail station and cathedral, in addition to some of the city's lesser-known spots and stories. Scott also shares some observations from ...
Guidebook writer and author Cameron Hewitt joins Scott to share stories, advice and memorable moments from more than 25 years of exploring Europe.
Cameron spends around 100 days a year traveling the continent as part of his job with Rick Steves’ Europe, and the conversation covers some of the quintessentially European experiences that have stayed with him, from small, unexpected moments that became lasting memories to the pin...
Scott is joined by Ksenija Mravlja from Beer Way Slovenia to share her favorite Slovenia travel tips and explain why this small but spectacular country deserves a spot on everybody's Europe travel list, especially if you’re a beer lover.
Ksenija takes Scott on a journey from the charming capital of Ljubljana to the shores of Lake Bled, the stunning Soča Valley, and several small towns that showcase Slovenia's incredible lands...
Scott is joined by Danielle Oteri to talk about The Before Sunrise Generation, her article exploring what today’s travelers can learn from the more spontaneous, less curated style of European travel many experienced in the ‘90s and early 2000s.
Also on the show, Danielle reflects on her own early travels around Europe, the inspiration behind the article, and what the film Before Sunrise and its sequels can still t...
Kathy McCabe, the host of TV show Dream of Italy and founder of Dream of Italy Magazine, joins Scott for a whirlwind tour of northern Italy’s stunning lake region, from popular destinations like Como, Maggiore and Garda to lesser-known lakes like Orta, Iseo and Annone.
Along the way, Kathy shares her advice for visiting the Italian Lakes, including where to stay and how to make the most of your time in this beautiful pa...
Ali Dunworth, food & drink writer and author of A Compendium of Irish Pints, joins Scott to talk about Irish pint culture & pubs, and the traditions that make them both so special and beloved. Along the way, she shares her passion for snugs (and why they're so special), suggests what snacks to order with your pint, reveals why beer mats are a big deal and tells us some of her favorite Dublin pubs. Plus much more. Whether yo...
Christoffer Hansen, founder of BeerWalks, joins Scott to explain how Copenhagen became one of the best cities for craft beer in Europe. From the brewery that sparked the revolution to today’s best craft beer bars and character-filled dives, Christoffer takes us on a stroll through Copenhagen, telling us where to sip and what you can expect on one of his craft beer walks through the city. He also offers tips on where to go to ...
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 lowdo...
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 t...
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 wher...
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
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
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
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 tra...
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.railsalesoldtown...
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.c...
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
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