‘Free Wheels’ Available as Part of Spain Offer

Hertz, Iberia and 4th Dimension Tours are offering a “Free Wheels in Spain” fly-drive program that provides a complimentary rental car for either three or seven days.

You have to fly round trip to Spain on Iberia and have your air bookings made by travel agents through Miami-based 4th Dimension Tours.

The tour operator also takes care of your car reservations. Hotel bookings also can be made, but aren’t mandatory to get the complimentary car.

The class of service you fly on Iberia determines some aspects of the program. For example, if you fly economy class, two people have to travel together to get the free rental car. If you fly business or first-class, only one person has to fly round trip to get the auto.

Similarly, if you fly first-class, you get the first night’s stay at any of the paradors, pousadas or hotels working with 4th Dimension Tours included, up to a $150 value. Most of the accommodations used in the program are well under this amount.

The paradors in Spain and pousadas in Portugal are often former castles, convents and palaces. Rooms have private bath or shower. This program also includes a continental breakfast daily as well as taxes and service charges. More than 80 paradors and more than 24 pousadas are in the program.

The three-day Hertz car is available until Oct. 31. The free seven-day car offer runs from Nov. 1 through March 31, 1990.

Size of the rental car depends on the class of air service. Expect subcompacts if you fly economy and larger cars if you fly business or first-class. With either type of car, or free rental period, you get unlimited mileage and computerized driving instructions. Road and city maps are included.

The offer also includes some insurance protection for bodily injuries, as well as property damage, fire and theft. You also get complimentary 24-hour emergency road service in Spain and Portugal.

Free drop-offs of the car in Spain, for both the three- and seven-day rental periods, also is offered.

In making your calculations, remember that you do have to pay the value-added tax of 12% in Spain (4% in the Canary Islands).

Contact travel agents for more information.