Rails, Ales & Old Towns: A Europe Travel Podcast
Claim This Podcastby Scott Hartbeck
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Podcast Overview
<p>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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Whether you’re planning a future trip or want to relive the magic of a past European adventure, this podcast will take you there.</p>
Language
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Publishing Since
3/1/2023
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Recent Episodes
May 28, 2026
40. Taking Inspiration from "Before Sunrise", '90s Eurotrip Nostalgia + Italy Travel Advice | Danielle Oteri
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 teach us about curiosity, connection and embracing the unexpected while traveling. The conversation also turns to Italy, where Danielle (an art historian, writer, podcaster, and travel advisor with a focus on Italy) shares her advice for experiencing the country in a more meaningful way, including why the best trips sometimes happen when you stop obsessing over checklists and embrace the here and now. Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/railsalesoldtowns Show notes and links to places discussed: https://www.railsalesoldtowns.com/ep40 Follow @railsalesoldtowns on Instagram & Facebook for more European travel inspiration. Theme music by Stu Wilson.
April 30, 2026
39. European Rail Travel Tips & Stories with The Man in Seat 61 | Mark Smith
Scott is joined by Mark Smith, better known as The Man in Seat 61, to talk all things European rail travel, from how he first fell in love with it to why he still believes rail is the best way to explore the continent. On the show, Mark shares stories from his early rail adventures across Europe (and beyond) before taking us on a tour of some of his favorite European rail stations and cities, including tips on cafes and bars. Along the way, he also offers plenty of practical advice, including insight into one of the biggest questions travelers face: when it makes sense to buy a Eurail Pass, and when it doesn’t. Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/railsalesoldtowns Show notes and links to places discussed: https://www.railsalesoldtowns.com/ep39 Follow @railsalesoldtowns on Instagram & Facebook for more European travel inspiration. Theme music by Stu Wilson.
April 18, 2026
38. The Italian Lakes: Como, Maggiore, Iseo and More | Kathy McCabe
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 part of Europe. The episode wraps up with a conversation about her experience helping people turn their dream of moving to Italy into a reality. Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/railsalesoldtowns Show notes and links to places discussed: https://www.railsalesoldtowns.com/ep38 Follow @railsalesoldtowns on Instagram & Facebook for more European travel inspiration. Theme music by Stu Wilson.
41 total episodes available
Recent guests on Rails, Ales & Old Towns: A Europe Travel Podcast
Guests from recent episodes — sign up to see every guest that has ever appeared on this show.
Michael Kennedy
Guest
Stu Wilson
Guest
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- What is Rails, Ales & Old Towns: A Europe Travel Podcast?
<p>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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Whether you’re planning a future trip or want to relive the magic of a past European adventure, this podcast will take you there.</p> - How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates bi-weekly.
- Where can I listen to this podcast?
This podcast is available on 10 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
- Does this podcast accept guests?
Information about guest appearances is not available.
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