The first episode focuses on Greece, including a visit to the archaeological dig at the site of Alexander the Great's birthplace in Aegae. Her journey also takes her to Athens, Nafplio, Sparta and Olympia, and to a dig at Epidaurus, where an underground snake pit used for healing has been discovered and an ancient theatre turns out to still be acoustically perfect.
The historian travels to Malta in search of ancient artefacts, and leads the first TV crew to be allowed to film in the Hypogeum, a recently discovered underground temple that provided a burial place for up to 7000 individuals. Before a major restoration project starts, Bettany is invited to film in the Queen and Prince Philip's romantic hideaway, the Villa Guardamangia, and explores in a series of underground tunnels from the Second World War.
The historian explores Gibraltar, encountering the world's first evidence of Neanderthal art, and handles the first report of Admiral Nelson's death in the Gibraltar Chronicle. She also explores the colourful natural formations of the underground pleasure gardens, and discovers where Victorian officers left messages carved into cave walls.
Bettany embarks on a Mediterranean voyage, beginning at its mouth with a recently discovered mask of Medusa, identified from fragments in Gorham's Cave on Gibraltar. Charting a course east, Bettany journeys to the strategic Island of Malta, where a Punic tomb has just been discovered. She reveals contents that prove these Phoenicians originated from North Africa. In the countryside, Bettany discovers how farmers grow three citrus crops a year with a special tour of an ancient Arabic underground irrigation system called The Invention of Summer".
The historian visits a dig in Istanbul containing artefacts from multiple eras, and follows in the footsteps of one of her heroes, Byzantine empress Theodora. She visits the restoration of the 6th-century Basilica Cistern, a marble-columned water reservoir under the city's streets, Topkapi Palace, and Europe's largest wooden building, Prinkipo Orphanage, which was once home to more than 1000 children.
Bettany visits the Red Sea, with its outstanding corals and marine life, the desert camps of Bedouin tribes, and Petra, the stunning city of temples and tombs carved into the rose-tinted rock.
Bettany explores three biblical sites in Jordan: Bethany Beyond the Jordan, the Dead Sea, and Machaerus, where John the Baptist was imprisoned and killed.
Bettany explores Aphrodite's cult, and visits her sanctuary at Palaepaphos. And in the stunning Troodos Mountains, she also discovers Byzantine churches linked to the Crusaders.
In Bodrum, Bettany gains unprecedented access to the tomb of a 4th century BCE dynasty leader. And she investigates exciting new developments at the world-famous site of Troy.
Bettany explores the underground cave cities of Cappadocia, and the 10,000-year-old temple and settlement at Göbeklitepe.
In mountainous Albania, Bettany visits epic fortress towns and breath-taking archaeological sites and finds a richly diverse history and culture.
Bettany uncovers a society which grew rich by selling copper, and visits the crowning glory of Bronze Age Oman: mysterious 5000-year-old beehive-shaped tombs.
In Gobustan, Bettany uncovers 40,000-year-old rock art. Then she heads to Shaki, an important stop for merchants travelling on the ancient Silk Road.
Bettany explores Albania's Adriatic coast. She follows in Julius Caesar's footsteps in Oricum and Apollonia, visits the magnificent Ottoman town of Berat, and discovers Albania's own 'Braveheart'.
Bettany reveals Estonia's many hidden treasures, and evidence of sacrifice, shipwrecks and Europe's 'last matriarchy'.
In Georgia, Bettany explores the mythical quest of Jason and the Argonauts, and learns the story of Tamar: the queen who became a king.
From the Greek border to the Black Sea, Bettany explores Bulgaria's mosaic of cultures, from ancient fire rituals to gold treasure, communist relics and painted brides.
In Europe's highest settlement, Bettany finds a language unlike any other. Azerbaijan also has the source material for Eric Clapton's Layla and maybe the tombs of the original Amazon warriors too.
From Albania to Turkey and Greece, Bettany encounters the earliest evidence of human government, the birthplace of Alexander the Great, and the pirate queen who took on the Roman Empire.
Around coastal Croatia, Bettany explores the wonders of Korčula, Dubrovnik and Split, from Diocletian's palace and legends of Richard the Lionheart to sampling the local oysters.
From Samarkand and the heart of the silk road, Bettany journeys through Uzbekistan, uncovering new finds and encountering ancient sun worship and Zoroastrian funeral rites.
In Bulgaria, Land of Roses, Bettany explores underwater ruins and prehistoric paintings, and visits remnants of the Roman and Ottoman eras and a Thracian festival.
