Top Gear - Middle East Special Full Episode < Best >

Fans searching for the Top Gear - Middle East Special full episode often ask: "Is it as good as The Grand Tour’s 'Seamen' or 'Lochdown'?"

The answer is yes, but for different reasons. The Grand Tour on Amazon had a Hollywood budget. The Middle East Special had a pub-crawl budget. The former is a blockbuster; the latter is a documentary about three men having a nervous breakdown in a desert. The Middle East Special captures a moment in time (post-Iraq War, pre-Arab Spring) that cannot be remade. The genuine fear in their eyes when they see a military checkpoint is not acting.

The Middle East Special represents the "Golden Age" of Top Gear. It was the perfect balance of the three key ingredients:

It proved that you didn't need supercars or explosions to make great television. You just needed three friends, three terrible cars, and a map. As the credits rolled to the sound of Silent Night, viewers realized they hadn't just watched a car show; they had watched a Christmas story for the petrolhead generation.

What are your memories of the Middle East Special? Was James May's BMW the true hero, or did Hammond's Fiat deserve more credit? Let us know in the comments.

The stage was set in the humid chaos of Erbil, Iraq. Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May stood around three "sports" cars that had seen better decades, tasked with following the path of the Three Wise Men to Bethlehem.

"I’ve brought a Mazda MX-5," Hammond announced, beaming. "It’s the world's best-selling sports car. It’s reliable, it’s nimble—"

"It’s a hairdresser's car, Hammond," Jeremy interrupted, leaning against his massive, temperamental Fiat Barchetta. "I, meanwhile, have a proper Italian thoroughbred. It’s stylish, it’s soulful, and the heater is currently stuck on 'Incinerate'."

James May simply pointed to his BMW Z3. "I’ve gone for German engineering. It’s sensible, it’s beige, and unlike yours, Jeremy, the door handles haven't fallen off yet."

The journey was a grueling 1,200-mile odyssey through some of the most beautiful and desolate landscapes on Earth. They crossed the mountains of Kurdistan, where Jeremy’s Fiat immediately began to disintegrate, and navigated the sprawling deserts of Syria.

Disaster struck early when James, attempting to scout a route, fell and suffered a concussion. For a brief, terrifying moment, the bickering stopped. But once the doctors cleared him, the mockery resumed with double the intensity. James spent the rest of the trip wearing a helmet decorated with "flowers" (courtesy of Jeremy) to protect his "gentle" head.

The challenges were classic Top Gear absurdity. They had to cross a literal minefield, camouflage their cars for a secret night mission (Jeremy chose a "traditional" look involving a lot of sand and glue), and survive the terrifying traffic of Damascus.

As they reached the Jordan River, the heat was blistering. Hammond’s Mazda was holding together by sheer willpower, while Jeremy’s Fiat was leaking every fluid known to man. They spent their final night in the desert, under a canopy of stars, debating the merits of their battered machines.

"The Fiat is a disaster," Jeremy admitted, pouring water over his smoking engine. "But it has character."

"My Mazda has been hit by a truck and driven through a mountain," Hammond countered, "and it still starts every morning. That’s not just a car; that’s a friend."

On the final leg into Bethlehem, the trio arrived at a stable. Inside, they didn't find gold, frankincense, or myrrh. Instead, they found a small, screaming baby... who looked suspiciously like a miniature version of The Stig, complete with a tiny white racing helmet.

"Well," Jeremy whispered, looking at the "Baby Stig" and then back at their ruined cars. "On that bombshell, it’s time to go." If you'd like to dive deeper into this special, I can: List the specific modifications they made to the cars Detail the exact route they took through the Middle East

Share behind-the-scenes facts about the production challenges

The Top Gear Middle East Special (Series 16, Episode 2), which first aired on December 26, 2010, follows Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May as they drive convertible cars from Northern Iraq to Bethlehem. The 76-minute, 1,200-mile journey involved navigating challenging terrain in Iraq, Syria, and Jordan, ultimately concluding with the Fiat Barchetta identified as the most robust vehicle. Read more details at Top Gear Wiki

Top Gear: Middle East Special (2010) is widely regarded as one of the peak moments of the Clarkson, Hammond, and May era. Following the path of the Three Wise Men in three used convertibles, the trio delivers a 76-minute adventure that blends "puerile" schoolboy humor with a hauntingly beautiful historical record of regions soon to be changed forever. The Premise: One Wise Man, an Idiot, and a Cheat

The challenge was simple yet absurd: buy a used convertible for under £3,500 and drive from Iraqi Kurdistan to Bethlehem. Jeremy Clarkson Mazda MX-5

, which he later decorated with a "Technicolor Dreamcoat" paint job. Richard Hammond Fiat Barchetta Riviera , which he famously modified into a nomadic "moving tent". went with a

, though he went over budget, earning him the title of the "cheat". Highlights: Chaos and Comedy The Landing:

In a signature over-the-top intro, the presenters arrive in an Ilyushin Il-76 cargo plane that performs a "go-around" before dropping them in Erbil, Iraq. The Burqa Disguise:

After James May suffered a concussion from a tow rope accident in Syria, Clarkson and Hammond famously picked him up from the hospital wearing burqas to "blend in"—a scene that remains a fan favorite for its sheer ridiculousness. The "Genesis" Prank:

To torment Hammond, Clarkson and May rigged his car stereo to play songs by the band

non-stop, showcasing the trio's classic "cruel but funny" chemistry. The Nativity Finale:

Reaching Bethlehem, they presented "gifts": gold-relief for James, hotel shampoo for Richard (as frankincense), and a Nintendo DS for Jeremy (replacing myrrh). The "Baby Jesus" in the manger was revealed to be a A Bittersweet Time Capsule top gear - middle east special full episode

What makes this episode stand out today is its unintentional status as a historical record. It contains some of the last high-definition footage of the ancient city of

before its destruction by ISIS, and portrays a pre-civil war Syria as a welcoming, vibrant place. This backdrop of peaceful landscapes that were soon ravaged by conflict adds a layer of poignancy that few other specials possess. Critical Verdict

The Top Gear Middle East Special (Series 16, Episode 2) is a 76-minute extended episode that originally aired on December 26, 2010, on BBC Two . Episode Overview

The Mission: Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May attempt to recreate the journey of the Three Wise Men by driving from Erbil International Airport in Iraqi Kurdistan to Bethlehem .

The Route: A 1,200-mile (1,900 km) road trip through southern Turkey, Syria (visiting Aleppo, Palmyra, and Damascus), and Jordan before reaching the Mount of Olives and Bethlehem .

The Vehicles: Each presenter was given a £3,500 budget to buy a second-hand, two-door convertible sports car : Jeremy: Mazda MX-5 Richard: Fiat Barchetta James: BMW Z3 Key Highlights

Border Challenges: The trio faced numerous complications involving border controls and the ongoing "War on Terror" in Iraq .

Gift Selection: Upon arriving at a nativity scene in Bethlehem, the "Three Wise Men" presented their gifts: gold (James), frankincense (Richard), and a Nintendo DS (Jeremy, who couldn't find myrrh) .

The Twist: The baby Jesus in the manger was revealed to be a "Baby Stig" . Where to Watch You can find the full episode on the following platforms:

Streaming: Available on the BBC iPlayer (UK), Apple TV, and Amazon Prime Video .

Free Options: Select clips and occasionally full-length segments are available on the official BBC Top Gear website .

The Top Gear Middle East Special (Series 16, Episode 2) remains one of the show’s most historically significant and visually striking episodes. Released as the 2010 Christmas special, it followed Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May as they attempted to recreate the journey of the Three Wise Men from Northern Iraq to Bethlehem . The Cars and the Mission

The trio was tasked with completing the 1,200-mile journey in second-hand, two-seater convertible sports cars bought for under £3,500 . Jeremy Clarkson: Mazda MX-5 (painted with a "Technicolour Dreamcoat" scheme)  . Richard Hammond: Fiat Barchetta Riviera (later fitted with a collapsing Bedouin tent)  . James May: BMW Z3 (camouflaged in the style of the Afrika Korps) . A "Time Capsule" of Syria

The episode holds an accidental but profound historical distinction: it features some of the last high-definition footage of Palmyra, Syria, before the onset of the Syrian Civil War and the subsequent destruction of the ancient site by ISIS . Fans often describe the episode as "bittersweet," as it captures a vibrant and peaceful Syria that looks very different today . Notable Moments and Trivia

The Injury: James May suffered a genuine concussion after being knocked over by a tow rope while filming in Syria. He was collected from the hospital by Clarkson and Hammond, who were famously wearing burqas as a disguise—a stunt that later sparked significant controversy and criticism .

The Forbidden Route: The crew originally planned to drive through Iran, but because the BBC is a state-funded broadcaster, the team was denied entry, forcing a detour through Turkey .

Stig Birth: The journey concluded in Bethlehem, where the "Baby Jesus" in the stable was revealed to be a Baby Stig .

The "Secret" Guest: To maintain their security in high-risk areas, the team traveled with an advisor who had "learned in the Special Forces how to have a pixelated face" .

For a look at the team's arrival and the start of their journey through Iraq: 33s The Scenic Route to Iraq | Top Gear YouTube• Apr 19, 2011 If you'd like to dive deeper, I can look up:

Where to watch the full episode or its "Director's Cut" today. Expand map The Start Syria Leg Final Destination

The episode concludes with the trio entering Israel and making their way toward Bethlehem. The final stretch is surprisingly poignant. The silly exhausts, the broken windscreens, and the arguments fade away as they drive through the night.

They arrive in Manger Square, exhausted and covered in dust. In a moment of uncharacteristic solemnity, they present their "gifts" (Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh—or reasonable facsimiles) and reflect on the journey.

The final shot—a time-lapse of the three cars parked under the Christmas lights of Bethlehem—remains one of the most beautifully composed endings in the show's history. It serves as a reminder that Top Gear was, at its core, a travel show;

Top Gear: Middle East Special (Series 16, Episode 2), Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May attempt to recreate the journey of the Three Wise Men across the Middle East to Bethlehem. Episode Overview

: Retrace the 1,200-mile (1,900 km) route of the Three Wise Men using second-hand, two-door convertible sports cars with a budget of £3,500. Starting Point : Erbil International Airport in Iraqi Kurdistan. Destination : A stable in Bethlehem, Palestine. Release Date

: Originally aired as a Christmas special on December 26, 2010, on Presenter Cars Fans searching for the Top Gear - Middle

The presenters purchased their cars in Georgia before being flown into Iraq. Jeremy Clarkson Mazda MX-5

, which he eventually painted in a "Technicolour Dreamcoat" style and fitted with "bulletproofing". Richard Hammond Fiat Barchetta Riviera Special , which was later modified to look like a "nomadic tent". (1.9L), camouflaged with inspiration from the Afrika Korps. Route and Key Locations

The journey passed through several countries and significant historical sites:

: Starting in Erbil, the team visited an abandoned amusement park before heading toward the Turkish border.

: They navigated a declared "war zone" in southern Turkey, rushing to reach the safe city of Şanlıurfa before nightfall. : Stops included the ancient cities of : They visited the ruins of Israel & Palestine

: The final leg took them through the Sea of Galilee (Ein Gev) and the Mount of Olives to reach Bethlehem. Ending and "Gifts"

The special concluded with the trio arriving at a nativity scene in Bethlehem to present gifts they found along the way: : A gold-relief medallion. : A bottle of shampoo labeled "Frankincense." : A Nintendo DS (as he could not find myrrh). The Reveal

: Upon peeling back the covers of the manger, they discovered a "Baby Stig". each car faced or where you can stream the episode

To watch the full episode legally:
Search on Amazon Prime Video (the Top Gear seasons are often included with a Prime membership) or check BBC iPlayer if you’re in the UK. The special is from Series 16, Episode 0 (sometimes listed as a standalone special). You can also buy/rent it from YouTube, Google TV, or Apple TV.

Brief summary of the special (2010):
Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May travel from Erbil, Iraq to Bethlehem via Jordan and Israel. They drive used, cheap convertibles:

The trip includes humor, breakdowns, cultural moments, and a final challenge of crossing the desert to reach the Dead Sea — the lowest road on Earth. It’s famous for the “Jesus” car rental gag and the three wise men–style ending.

Would you like a full scene-by-scene breakdown or the list of challenges from the episode?

The Top Gear: Middle East Special (Series 16, Episode 2) originally aired on December 26, 2010. In this 76-minute feature, presenters Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May attempt to recreate the journey of the Three Wise Men across the Middle East to Bethlehem. Mission Overview

Objective: Retrace the path of the Three Wise Men from Northern Iraq to a stable in Bethlehem to deliver gifts to a "newborn child".

Starting Point: Erbil International Airport in Iraqi Kurdistan, where they were dropped off via a Russian Ilyushin Il-76 cargo plane.

Route: The 1,200-mile (1,900 km) journey took them through Iraqi Kurdistan, southern Turkey, Syria (Aleppo, Palmyra, and Damascus), Jordan, and finally into Israel and the Palestinian territories. The Cars

The presenters were given a budget of £3,500 to purchase a second-hand, two-door convertible sports car, as Israel typically does not allow cars registered in neighboring countries to enter. Jeremy Clarkson: Mazda MX-5. Richard Hammond: Fiat Barchetta. James May: BMW Z3. Key Highlights & Challenges

Hostile Terrain: The team faced the "war zones" of Iraq, the conflict-ridden mountains of Turkey, and the searing heat of the Syrian desert.

Modifications: Along the way, they modified their cars to handle the terrain; notably, Jeremy's Mazda was given a "technicolor" paint job and desert-proofing.

Old Testament NASCAR: In Jordan, they raced their sports cars around a 2,000-year-old chariot circuit in Jerash.

The Ending: Upon arriving at a stable in Bethlehem, they presented gifts of a gold medallion, hotel shampoo (Frankincense), and a Nintendo DSi (Myrrh). They discovered the "baby Jesus" was actually a "Baby Stig". Legacy and Reception

Historical Significance: The episode is one of the few high-definition records of sites like Palmyra before their destruction during the Syrian Civil War, which began shortly after filming.

Critical Acclaim: It is frequently cited as one of the best Top Gear specials. Jeremy Clarkson has described it as the best of their adventures to watch.

Controversy: The episode drew criticism for the trio using niqabs as disguises and for the depiction of a "Baby Stig" as Jesus. Where to Watch The full episode can be found on several platforms:

Where can I rewatch old top gear full episodes? (2002 till 2017)

The Top Gear Middle East Special remains one of the most ambitious and culturally significant episodes in the history of the BBC franchise. Released during Series 16, this feature-length adventure saw the iconic trio—Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May—attempting to follow the path of the Three Wise Men to Bethlehem.

If you are searching for the Top Gear Middle East Special full episode, this guide covers the highlights, the cars, the controversy, and where you can legally stream it today. 🚗 The Premise: A Journey of Biblical Proportions It proved that you didn't need supercars or

The episode begins with the presenters being dropped off at an airport in Iraq. Their mission? Travel 1,200 miles through Turkey, Syria, and Jordan to reach the birthplace of Jesus in Israel. True to the show's format, they were restricted by a modest budget and a requirement that their vehicles be open-top two-seater sports cars. The Iconic Cars

The trio chose three vastly different machines for the desert terrain:

Jeremy Clarkson: A Mazda MX-5 (NA). Known for its reliability, Jeremy gave it a custom "desert camo" paint job.

Richard Hammond: A Fiat Barchetta. Despite its front-wheel-drive layout, it proved surprisingly resilient.

James May: A BMW Z3. James focused on luxury and "modest" modifications, though it struggled with mechanical issues. 🌍 Key Locations and Challenges

The Middle East Special is praised for its stunning cinematography, capturing landscapes rarely seen on Western entertainment television at the time.

Northern Iraq: The journey began with the presenters wearing bulletproof vests and helmets, highlighting the real-world tension of the region.

The Syrian Desert: The team crossed into Syria, showcasing the incredible Roman ruins of Palmyra and the bustling streets of Aleppo.

The Sea of Galilee: The episode featured a memorable "water-walking" stunt and a campsite debate over the nature of the "Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh" gifts.

The Arrival: The finale takes place in Bethlehem, where the "manger" contains a surprise that only Top Gear could conceive. ⚠️ The Controversy: The Stig and Safety

The episode was not without its hurdles. During a segment in the desert, James May suffered a serious head injury after being knocked over by a tow rope. He was rushed to a local hospital, providing a rare moment of genuine concern and somberness in an otherwise comedic show.

Additionally, this episode served as a major plot point for the identity of The Stig. After the "White Stig" (Ben Collins) was outed in his autobiography, this special introduced the "Baby Stig" found in the manger, signaling the arrival of a new driver for the following season. 📺 Where to Watch the Full Episode

Due to licensing and copyright, finding the "Top Gear Middle East Special full episode" for free on platforms like YouTube can be difficult, as they are often removed. To watch the high-quality, uncut version, check these official sources: BBC iPlayer: Available for viewers in the UK.

Discovery+: The current home for the Top Gear library in many regions, including the US.

Amazon Prime Video: Available for digital purchase or via the MotorTrend add-on.

DVD/Blu-ray: Many fans prefer the physical "The Great Adventures" box sets for the unedited soundtracks.

The Middle East Special stands as a testament to the chemistry of the original hosts, blending automotive testing with travelogue storytelling and a touch of irreverent humor. It remains a "must-watch" for any petrolhead or fan of adventure television.

If you'd like to dive deeper into this era of the show, I can help you with: A complete list of every Top Gear special in order

Details on the modifications made to the MX-5, Barchetta, and Z3 A guide on how to visit the filming locations safely today

Which part of the Top Gear history are you most interested in?

When fans debate the greatest episodes in the 22-year history of Top Gear, three specials always rise to the top: the Bolivia Special, the Botswana Special, and what many call the perfect balance of chaos, beauty, and danger—the Middle East Special.

Officially titled Top Gear: Middle East Special (Series 16, Episode 0), this 75-minute epic follows Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May as they attempt to retrace the path of the Three Wise Men. Armed with three cheap, crumbling convertibles and a £3,500 budget, the trio set off from the holy city of Erbil in Iraqi Kurdistan, aiming to reach the birthplace of Jesus: Bethlehem in the West Bank.

If you are searching for the Top Gear – Middle East Special full episode, you have come to the right place. Below, we break down why this episode is a masterpiece, where to find it legally, the iconic cars involved, and the unforgettable moments that make it essential viewing.

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In the pantheon of Top Gear "Grand Tour" style adventures, few episodes achieve the perfect storm of geopolitical absurdity, mechanical cruelty, and genuine camaraderie quite like the Middle East Special.

Airing as the Christmas Special in 2010 (Series 16, Episode 0), the episode sees Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May tasked with a seemingly impossible mission: drive from the shores of Iraq to the birthplace of the Messiah, Bethlehem. It remains a masterclass in the "Clarkson Era" of the show—a blend of stunning cinematography, arrogant incompetence, and three middle-aged men arguing in a desert.