For sheer tropical splendor, the islands of Tahiti and Bora Bora stand alone. Hyper blue lagoons, white-sand beaches, fish of every shape, size and color, as well as a generous and welcoming people make these islands favorite destinations for travelers from around the world. Lush aerial photography is a highlight of this episode.

Two of the most unique cities in the world are just north of New England. You’ll find brie, pate, jewel box-patisseries, and “s’il vous plait” right along with bagels, maple syrup, hockey, delis, and bocce ball. A modern skyscraper might be cheek-by-jowl with a 17th century, stone nunnery. The people who forged Montreal and Quebec City made these beautiful, multi-cultural cities of the world.

At Istanbul’s Spice Market, Brown-gold paprika is carefully molded into the shape of a pyramid. Cinnamon, cumin, ginger, and cardamom infuse the air with the fragrance of the East. From haggis in Scotland to soba and tea in Japan, from asada in Argentina to bibimbap in Korea, food and drink help illustrate the culture of a place and its people.

Cities in Asia underwent rapid growth in the past century, and “Four Great Cities of Asia” examines the remarkable evolution of the mega-city. From the world’s largest city, Tokyo, to the colorful chaos of Delhi, the modern miracle of Seoul to the teeming streets of Bangkok, this episode is a passport to the high-tech marvels and back-street secrets of four of the world’s most amazing cities.

Washington, D.C. chef and restaurant owner Daisuke Utagawa notes that “Japanese chefs are highly regarded around the world. But it’s also the commitment, or the kodawari, of producers of many of the food products those chefs use that helps makes the cuisine what it is.” Utagawa joins Rudy visiting the producers of the food that’s made Japanese cuisine so famous.