The journey concluded by passing through the Roman Hippodrome in Jerash and eventually reaching the West Bank barrier and the Mount of Olives. Key Challenges and Highlights
The special is remembered for its blend of humor, mechanical failure, and cultural exploration: top gear - middle east special full episode
The route took the presenters through a diverse and often dangerous landscape, crossing several international borders during a period of relative regional stability just months before the Arab Spring. The journey concluded by passing through the Roman
Presented as a Christmas special, the trio was tasked with purchasing second-hand two-door convertible sports cars for under £3,500. Their journey began in , after being dropped off by a Russian cargo plane with no prior knowledge of their starting location. Car Selected Jeremy Clarkson Mazda MX-5 Richard Hammond Fiat Barchetta Riviera James May The Route: From Iraq to Bethlehem Their journey began in , after being dropped
Following a beam of light to a stable in Bethlehem, the trio presented their gifts—a gold-relief medallion, "Frankincense" shampoo, and a Nintendo DSi—to find that the "baby Jesus" was actually a Baby Stig .
This segment is now a poignant historical record, featuring high-definition footage of the ancient city of Palmyra and the bustling streets of Damascus before the Syrian Civil War.
The Middle East Special was a ratings success, watched by approximately in the UK, making it one of the top ten most-watched episodes of the series. Jeremy Clarkson has since described it as the best of the adventures to watch, and it remains a staple of holiday television marathons. Today, the three main cars from the special are part of the World of Top Gear exhibition at the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu.