The social program of ICAME46 includes the following activities:
- Walking Tour of Vilnius Old Town – Explore one of Northern Europe’s largest medieval old towns, a UNESCO World Heritage site (Wednesday afternoon, included in registration fee).
Photo courtesy of GOVilnius
- Welcome Reception – After the walking tour through Vilnius Old Town on Wednesday (June 18), a Welcome Reception will be held on Wednesday evening at 20:00 in the historic Vilnius Town Hall (Didžioji St. 31) (included in registration fee). Located at the heart of the city, the Town Hall stands on foundations dating back to the early 16th century and symbolizes the beginning of Vilnius' municipal self-governance, granted by Grand Duke Jogaila in 1387 with the Magdeburg Rights. The current neoclassical building, designed by renowned architect Laurynas Gucevičius, was completed between 1785 and 1799 — making it not only a civic symbol, but also one of the city’s most architecturally and historically significant landmarks.
Photo coutesy of GOVilnius
- Boat Trip in Trakai – Visit this charming historic town, home to a stunning medieval castle on an island in Lake Galvė (Thursday afternoon, included in registration fee).
On Thursday, June 19, participants are invited to join the traditional ICAME Boat Trip to Trakai – a picturesque historical town located just 25 km west of Vilnius.
Trakai is renowned for its 14th-century Island Castle, set in the middle of Lake Galvė. Originally serving as the political and military center of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, the Castle played a significant role in defending the western frontiers and was once a residence of Grand Duke Vytautas.
The town is also home to the Karaite community, a Turkic-speaking ethnic and religious minority who were invited and settled in Lithuania by Vytautas after being brought from Crimea to serve as his guards and officials. Their cultural legacy is still visible today in Trakai’s distinctive wooden architecture and local cuisine — especially in kibinai (also known as kybyns), traditional pastries filled with meat, onions, vegetables, or cheese.
Expect an hour of beautiful lake views around the island castle, with a chance to try traditional kybyns during the visit.
This event is a unique opportunity to explore one of Lithuania’s most iconic landmarks, experience the country’s multicultural heritage, and unwind with fellow conference attendees in a scenic setting.
Photo courtesy of GOVilnius
- Conference Dinner at “Neringa” – Enjoy a three-course meal and disco on Friday evening (extra fee of €60 per person). Experience the style and charm of an iconic 1960s modernist venue! The hotel and restaurant "Neringa", opened in 1959, was designed by Algimantas and Vytautas Nasvyčiai - a renowned duo of architects who contributed not only to the development of Lithuanian modernist architecture, but also to the restoration of Lithuanian independence in 1991. Throughout the years, "Neringa" has remained a harbour for culture, creativity and good music as well as retained its reputation as a favoured meeting place for artists and intellectuals. For more information, read the article by art historian Marija Drėmaite on “Neringa” and Lithuanian Modernism.
Photo courtesy of Neringa Vilnius