Some pilgrimages are remembered for their famous holy sites. Some journeys evoke emotion through sacred moments at the Vatican or Fatima. But the October 2025 tour departing from Miami is quite different – a journey that many returnees fondly recall feeling "completely taken care of.".
From beautiful hotels and incredibly convenient locations to a pleasant itinerary and rare experiences during the special holiday season in Lourdes, all of this makes this trip one of Carnival US Travel's most popular pilgrimage tours in 2025.
A very special pilgrimage season in Lourdes.
The most special aspect of the October 2025 trip is that the group will arrive in Lourdes during the farmers' festival – a special event held only once every two years.
On October 25, 2025, the atmosphere in Lourdes was almost completely different from usual. Pilgrims from many places converged on the Marian shrine, carrying flags, flowers, and colorful thanksgiving processions. Hymns echoed in the square, people moved slowly through the sanctuary, and the atmosphere was both solemn and vibrant, making many in the group say they felt like they were attending a rare event that not everyone has the opportunity to experience.
What makes Lourdes special is that it's hard to describe: not overwhelming, not noisy, but it naturally makes you want to slow down when you're there.
And when the major holiday season arrives, that atmosphere becomes even more special.
A truly "premium comfort" journey.
If there's one thing guests mention most after this trip, it's probably the hotel system throughout the journey.
The October 2025 tour is highly rated because all the hotels are beautiful 4-star hotels, conveniently located, and offer a very "easy travel" feel – which is extremely important for multi-day European trips.
Aurum Hotel – Rome
One of the most popular hotels among guests is the Aurum Hotel in Rome.
What makes this place special is not just the quality of the rooms or service, but its almost "best location" for a trip to the Vatican. From the hotel, guests can walk to St. Peter's Square without needing to travel too far by car.
For many, the feeling of strolling around the Vatican in the evening after their schedule is finished is one of the most beautiful experiences in Rome. The golden lights illuminate the ancient streets, St. Peter's Square gradually becomes quieter after the daytime crowds of pilgrims, and the whole city takes on a very different look compared to the bustling morning.
Paradis Hotel – Lourdes
In Lourdes, the group stayed at the Paradis Hotel – a hotel located within walking distance of the shrine.
This makes the schedule in Lourdes much easier, especially for older guests. After prayer or attending ceremonies at the sacred site, people can easily return to their hotel to rest without spending too much time traveling.
Many visitors say that being close to the sanctuary has allowed them to experience Lourdes much more deeply. Some take a walk to the grotto area early in the morning, while others return to the square in the evening just to sit quietly for a while in the very special atmosphere of the place.
Salamanca – the city that surprises the most visitors.
While Rome exudes ancient charm and the Vatican is imbued with sacredness, Salamanca surprises many visitors with its youthful and incredibly pleasant atmosphere.
The group stayed at Catalonia Plaza Mayor – a hotel with a prime location right in the city center. From here, it's just a few minutes' walk to Salamanca Cathedral as well as famous shopping areas and squares.
What visitors love most about Salamanca is the feeling of freedom to enjoy the city in a very "European lifestyle." In the evening after dinner, many in the group stroll around the square, visit small shops, or simply sit in a cafe and watch the city light up.
Unlike the historically and religiously charged atmosphere of Rome or Lourdes, Salamanca possesses a younger, lighter energy, yet remains stunning thanks to its distinctive Spanish yellow stone architecture.
And perhaps it is this balance between pilgrimage and city experience that makes the journey so much more enjoyable.
Fatima – the most beautiful moment of tranquility on the trip.
Of all the sacred sites on the journey, Fatima was always the place that most noticeably slowed down the emotions of the group.
The Steyler Hotel – where the group stayed in Fatima – is located very close to the shrine, close enough for guests to walk to the square at any time of day.
On some evenings after Mass, many visitors don't return to their hotels immediately but linger for a long time in Fatima Square. The tranquil atmosphere, soft lighting, and the silent prayers of the pilgrims make this place feel very different from the rest of the journey.
Fatima doesn't overwhelm people like Vatican City does.
But it is also the place where many people feel the most at peace.
And the journey concludes with… a “gigantic” buffet.”
One particularly interesting detail that the whole group will remember is the last day before flying back from Lisbon airport.
After a long journey through many European countries, the entire group enjoyed a buffet meal that guests jokingly described as: "super big, super huge, and super delicious."“
The atmosphere that day was a mix of joy and sadness as the journey was coming to an end. After many days of attending church services, sightseeing, praying, and traveling through various cities, everyone had truly become a close-knit group.
Some people took advantage of the opportunity to take as many extra photos as possible.
Some people sit for a very long time just to chat with new friends they've made on the trip.
And then there were those who started saying, "We'll definitely have to go again next year."“
A beautiful journey is not just about the destination.
The October 2025 pilgrimage tour departing from Miami isn't an overly luxurious or extravagant journey, but it offers exactly the feeling many pilgrims desire:
- moderate schedule
- beautiful hotel
- convenient location
- comfortable experience
- and enough time to truly appreciate each place I visit.
From Vatican City, Lourdes, Fatima to Salamanca and Lisbon, each stop had its own unique charm. But perhaps what made this journey most memorable was the pleasant feeling throughout the trip – something that allowed one not only to "visit many places," but also to truly enjoy the journey.
And sometimes, that's what makes a pilgrimage memorable long after you've returned home.