Ben returns to the mansion for the first big cocktail party. He explains to Chris Harrison that, as painful as his experience was last season, he has no regrets. When Ben began his journey with Ashley, he was emotionally shut down due to his grief over his father's death. Ultimately, he was able to open himself up again to love. Because of that journey, he is a different man and ready to try and find love again.

The 18 bachelorettes vying for Ben's affections travel to his hometown of Sonoma, Calif.; 12 ladies take part in a group date where they must participate in a community theater production; tears flow as some of the ladies demand attention from Ben.

One lucky bachelorette makes a 500-foot trek atop San Francisco's Bay Bridge during a date with Ben; one lady does the unthinkable and rejects Ben's request for a private date; an unexpected guest appears at the cocktail party, outraging the women.

While visiting Utah, Ben and the remaining bachelorettes see the sights and bond on romantic outings; one woman tries to warn Ben of the other ladies' intentions, but her advice may backfire; two women are ecstatic to receive one-on-one dates.

While in Puerto Rico, the 11 remaining ladies quickly become frustrated after fighting for personal time with Ben; despite being chastised by the other women, Courtney continues her quest to snag Ben by suggesting a very provocative rendezvous.

Ben is forced to eliminate one girl after a two-on-one date of salsa dancing; Ben and six of the women go on a romantic date deep inside the Panamanian jungle; Chris confronts someone about a personal secret she's been keeping from everyone.

With only six ladies left, each bachelorette desperately seeks time with Ben before he chooses the final four; everyone participates in a date while visiting Belize; upon arriving at the cocktail party, Ben makes a surprising announcement.

Ben travels across the country visiting the families of the remaining four women, hoping to impress his potential in-laws; the ladies' parents put the pressure on Ben when questioning his true intentions about marrying their daughters.

The three remaining ladies travel to Switzerland where each is granted a full-day date with Ben and possibly the night; a surprise visitor demands answers from Ben; after romantic one-on-one time with each woman, Ben must choose to send one home.

Ben is given a last-minute chance to spend time with the two remaining ladies before he makes his final decision; Ben must reject one hopeful woman before handing the final rose, and possibly an engagement ring, to the last remaining bachelorette.

Ben and the special bachelorette that stole his heart sit down with Chris to discuss their plans for future; the couple is reunited, after which they assess the current state of their relationship; questions and concerns from others are fielded.