Best Scott Hartbeck Podcasts (2025)

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31. Why a European Soccer Game Should Be on Your Itinerary 43:33

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2d ago43:33

43:33

Scott is joined by Paul Gerald, founder of Groundhopper Guides, to talk about the unforgettable experience of watching soccer in Europe. 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. Show notes…

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30. Meet European Sleeper: Europe’s Newest Night Train Company 26:09

17d ago26:09

26:09

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. Show notes and links to plac…

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29. Ten of the Best Bars in Europe (and What Makes Them Special) 56:09

1M ago56:09

56:09

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. Show notes a…

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28. Glasgow, Scotland: Get There Before Everybody Else Does 43:29

1M ago43:29

43:29

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…

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27. Interlaken: Where Swiss Traditions Meet Alpine Adventures 34:33

2M ago34:33

34:33

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. Show notes and links to places discussed can be fo…

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26. The Best German Beer Festivals Beyond Oktoberfest 1:01:00

3M ago1:01:00

1:01:00

Scott welcomes back German beer expert Franz 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. Links to Franz's website and all festivals & beers discu…

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25. Europe by Rail: The Book, Its Author and a Continent Full of Adventures 49:47

3M ago49:47

49:47

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. Show notes and links to places discussed can be found here: htt…

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24. Brussels, Belgium: Quirky, Delicious, Underrated 39:35

4M ago39:35

39:35

Scott is joined by the founder of Hungry Mary Food Tours to talk about all the delicious reasons why you should visit Brussels ... and to dissect why this great city still flies under the radar. Mary drops some knowledge about Belgian culture and the city's iconic sights while also offering up tons of tips on where to eat and drink in the city. Sho…

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23. Craft Beer in Paris: Paname Brewing Company 33:55

4M ago33:55

33:55

Scott is joined by Michael Kennedy, founder of Paname Brewing Company, to talk about his craft brewery and living in the City of Light. Michael is a long-time resident in Paris and after chatting about Paname, its beers and special location, he pours out some advice on hidden gems in the city and places to enjoy a Paris sunset. Show notes and links…

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22. Naples, Italy Travel Report: Pizza, Pompeii & Piazzas 46:34

5M ago46:34

46:34

Scott is joined by longtime friend Stu Wilson, whom he met while traveling in Europe. Scott and Stu recall the eventful night in Vienna when they became pals before Stu paints a picture of his recent trip to Naples, Italy. Stu dishes out tips on visiting Pompeii, Mt. Vesuvius and places where he enjoyed pizza in the city. (The discussion of Naples …

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21. Barcelona, Spain: How To Eat, Drink & 'Sea' the City Like a Local 49:24

5M ago49:24

49:24

Scott is joined by Matt Floret, the founder of Food Lover Tour, to talk about all the great things to eat, drink, and do in Barcelona, Spain. Matt serves up his personal recommendations of restaurants, bars, and places to avoid the crowds and also suggests some lesser-known things to do in the city. Show notes and links to all places discussed can …

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20. Crowded Platforms and Window Seats: One Family's European Rail Adventure 51:31

7M ago51:31

51:31

Scott is joined by Judy Yorke, author of Crowded Platforms and Window Seats, to discuss the fantastic family Interrail (Eurail) trip that inspired her book. In addition, they chat at length about the all-around magic of European rail travel, and Judy dishes out advice for families looking to follow in her footsteps. Show notes & links to all places…

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19. Stockholm, Sweden: Beer Bars, Sunken Ships & Island Trips 55:29

8M ago55:29

55:29

Scott is joined by Joel Hedman, a Stockholm tour guide and beer judge to talk about what makes his hometown such a great place to visit. Joel recommends his favorite beer bars in the city (with an emphasis on the cool Södermalm neighborhood) before talking about post-bar snacks and all the other great things to do in Stockholm, like visiting famous…

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18. Prague: Hidden Gems and Heavenly Beer Pubs 46:44

11M ago46:44

46:44

Scott is joined by Lukáš Vondra, founder of Prague Beer Guides, to talk about the beer culture in the Czech capital and some of the best off-the-beaten-path things to do and see in the city. Lukáš also talks about what it's like guiding visitors around Prague, recommends some of his favorite pubs and tells us what food to eat while drinking Czech p…

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17. Croatia Travel Report: Dubrovnik, Korčula, Hvar & Šolta 37:44

1y ago37:44

37:44

Scott welcomes back longtime friend, world traveler & former travel writer Adam Seper for a full account of his recent trip to Croatia. Adam and his family visited multiple islands in addition to Plitvice Lakes National Park, and on the show, Adam offers up some advice you'll want to know if you're considering a trip to Croatia. Show notes & links …

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16. The Luberon Loop: Exploring Provence, France on Foot 36:31

1y ago36:31

36:31

Scott is joined by travel writer Rory Moulton to talk about The Luberon Loop, which is his custom guide to walking one of France's most wonderful regions. Show notes & links to places discussed can be found here: https://www.railsalesoldtowns.com/ep16. Follow @railsalesoldtowns on Instagram & Facebook for more Europe trip inspiration. Theme music b…

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15. The Eurail Pass: Rockstar of European Rail Travel 38:43

1+ y ago38:43

38:43

Rail is by far the best way to see Europe, and the best way to experience Europe by rail is with a Eurail pass (Interrail pass). In this episode, Scott is joined by Hugo Van Vondelen from Eurail to discuss what makes the legendary rail pass unique while sharing plenty of tips and tales of riding the rails. Show notes & links to places discussed can…

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14. The Great Beer Gardens of Bavaria, Germany 49:10

1+ y ago49:10

49:10

Scott chats with Franz Hofer, an expert on German beer culture, about the charm of the beer gardens in Germany's Bavaria region and why they are so much more than just a place to have a beer. Franz gives a quick history lesson of these heavenly al fresco drinking spots before serving up tips on some of the best beer gardens to see during your next …

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13. Amsterdam Travel Tips From a Cool Canal Boat Captain 41:41

1+ y ago41:41

41:41

Scott is joined by Neil Robinson, comedian and co-founder of canal boat tour company Those Dam Boat Guys to talk about why Amsterdam is such an awesome city. Neil gives his local advice for visiting, including tips on waterside bars, under-the-radar attractions and food to try. Show notes & links to places discussed can be found here: http://www.ra…

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12. Travel Lisbon Like a Local & Exploring Portugal by Rail 29:42

1+ y ago29:42

29:42

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 no…

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11. Budapest and Hungarian Wine Country 32:21

1+ y ago32:21

32:21

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 @ra…

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10. Whatever You Do, Don't Skip Belgium & Belgian Beer 43:13

1+ y ago43:13

43:13

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 pla…

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9. Rome, Italy: Food & Travel Tips From a Local Expert 38:08

1+ y ago38:08

38:08

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:/…

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8. Cologne, Germany: Carnival, Kölsch Beer & Cool Neighborhoods 27:34

1+ y ago27:34

27:34

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 Instag…

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7. Venice, Italy: How To Avoid the Crowds; Traditional Venetian Rowing 39:44

2y ago39:44

39:44

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 tradit…

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6. Greece Travel Report: Athens, The Peloponnese, Crete & Santorini 33:38

2y ago33:38

33:38

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 …

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5. The Joy of European Rail Travel 38:13

2y ago38:13

38:13

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…

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4. Seville, Spain for Food and Drink Lovers 36:12

2+ y ago36:12

36:12

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.…

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3. Graz, Austria: One of Europe’s Top Hidden Gems 37:17

2+ y ago37:17

37:17

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 ins…

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2. London’s Best Historic Pubs: Where Pints Meet the Past 42:02

2+ y ago42:02

42:02

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 w…

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1. Europe Travel Memories, Dream Europe Trips & More 40:34

2+ y ago40:34

40:34

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. Links to places discussed can be found here: http://www.railsalesoldtowns.com/ep1 Follow @railsalesoldtowns on Instagram & Facebook for more Europe trip…

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Welcome to Rails, Ales & Old Towns 1:46

2+ y ago1:46

1:46

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.By Scott Hartbeck