Dan Snow follows the route of Odysseus across the Mediterranean, beginning with the world of Troy and the Bronze Age warriors who inspired Homer’s epic. Sailing through Greece and the Ionian islands, he explores places traditionally associated with the Cyclops, Circe, the Sirens and other episodes of the hero’s long journey home, while examining the archaeology and historical evidence behind the legends. Along the way, Dan asks how much of the story may preserve memories of real places, peoples and events from the ancient Greek world. His voyage ends at Ithaca, where Odysseus’s struggle to return to his family reaches its climax. Combining myth, history, archaeology and travel, this documentary reveals how one ancient story became one of the most influential adventures ever told.
In the last two episodes of this series, you can see how coffee and corn open the door to stories far beyond what we consume every day. From the demanding journey of the coffee bean—shaped by history, craftsmanship and human effort—to the rise of corn from a sacred crop to a dominant force in global food systems, these episodes reveal how simple ingredients carry profound meaning. What begins as a look at familiar foods quickly becomes a deeper exploration of culture, industry and survival, uncovering the fragile balance behind what we eat and leaving a lasting sense of how much is at stake in the most ordinary things.
In the final two episodes of this season, Phil continues his joyful culinary adventure, discovering how food reveals the heart and traditions of remarkable cultures. With his trademark humor and curiosity, he shares unforgettable meals with locals whose stories bring every dish to life. First, Phil dives into the bold flavors of the Philippines, savoring sizzling pork sisig, sharing a lively roadside lunch with Jeepney drivers, and bravely joining his first traditional boodle fight, where friends gather around a table covered with food and eat together with their hands. The journey then takes him to Guatemala, where rich volcanic soil and vibrant traditions create an extraordinary culinary landscape. Traveling with Claudia, his family’s longtime babysitter and dear friend, Phil explores colorful markets, local dishes, and heartfelt connections that make this trip especially meaningful.
In the final two episodes, Stanley Tucci ventures into some of Italy’s most rugged and surprising landscapes, discovering how geography carves flavor into every bite. In a windswept sheep country, he grills mutton over open flames, savors French-influenced Sunday traditions, and traces the sweet, centuries-old origins of confetti, revealing how history and terrain combine to shape unexpected culinary treasures. It’s a journey where the land itself becomes the secret ingredient. The adventure continues in Lazio, where Tucci explores the powerful connection between countryside and capital. From Roman pizza to Ariccia’s legendary porchetta, from rustic fish soup to tender spring lamb, each dish reflects a cuisine rooted in simplicity yet elevated by elegance. These episodes celebrate the authenticity of regional food, showing how tradition, landscape, and community come together to define what it truly means to eat Italian.
In the last four episodes, Eugene Levy’s journey turns into a celebration of contrast and courage. In the Maldives, he tries to find his sea legs at a luxurious private island resort that promises anything, anytime, anywhere. In South Africa, he experiences a powerful encounter with an elephant that changes the way he sees connection and empathy. In Portugal, he delights in rich Iberian cuisine, uncovering the soul of local traditions. Finally, in Tokyo, he steps into the ring as a sumo referee, embracing the balance between discipline, culture, and humor in a city bursting with life.
In the thrilling series finale, the journey culminates high in the Alps as our riders launch into an exhilarating paragliding flight above snow-dusted peaks, confronting the elements with sheer adrenaline. They then trade handlebars for putters on a breathtaking Swiss golf course, where each swing frames mist-shrouded valleys in the distance. A chance detour leads them to a quirky mountain artist’s hidden atelier, where kinetic sculptures seem to capture the spirit of their odyssey. As glaciers gleam and winding roads beckon, they pause to savour the bonds forged and miles conquered before embarking on the extended ride back home.
Along the way, Dan asks how much of the story may preserve memories of real places, peoples and events from the ancient Greek world. His voyage ends at Ithaca, where Odysseus’s struggle to return to his family reaches its climax. Combining myth, history, archaeology and travel, this documentary reveals how one ancient story became one of the most influential adventures ever told.