Baltic beauties; OVER THE ROOFTOPS: Tallin is Estonia's fairytale capital with round towers and red pantiled roofs History, mystery and legends ... The Baltic is a bubbling hot spot as a fast-growing cruise destination. KEN BENNETT reveals how to get the best out of four of its enduring beauties.

Byline: KEN BENNETT

STANDING in the most expensive room in the world, it is easy to understand why Catherine The Great wanted to keep her mind-boggling treasure trove a secret...

From the ornate ceiling paintings to lavish wall coverings, inlaid with intricate patterns and carvings, almost every element of this remarkable, overblown hideaway is made from amber.

This strident symbol to the Russia's historic extremes in opulence is currently valued at more than pounds 100m and is housed in Catherine's Palace on the outskirts of ST PETERSBURG.

Construction of the original Amber Room began in 1701, covering more than 55 square meters and containing more than six tonnes of amber.

However, it was looted by Germans during the Second World War and its final fate still remains a mystery shrouded by intrigue.

But, after decades of work by Russian craftsmen, the reconstructed room was inaugurated in 2003 and is a focal point for millions of tourists.

St Petersburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is also home to The Hermitage, which protects Russia's largest collection of art with more than 2.8 million works under its rambling roofs.

And make sure you visit Peterhof, conceived by Peter the Great to rival Versailles in its wondrous splendour.

Besides the treasure-filled rooms, it offers dazzling fountains in the rolling grounds.

Tourist tips: UK visitors have to provide a photocopy of their passport on arrival which is kept by immigration officials.

Be prepared for an early start to visit key sights and beat horrendous summer crowds. You have to pay several pounds for a pass to take pictures in the museums and palaces - but photography is still forbidden in some areas.

Best buys: Toy soldiers, colourful stacking dolls - called Matrioshka - fur hats, lacquered items and vodka. Check regulations before buying expensive items, including antiques.

Currency: Russian roubles can be accepted only in shops and restaurants, but some may accept major credit cards.

Souvenir shops and markets accept Euros and US dollars.

HELSINKI, Finland's elegantly bright and breezy capital is described as The Daughter of the Baltic.

And Senate Square with its imposing Lutheran Cathedral overlooking the Baltic is a compelling, must-visit destination. Classical music lovers can follow the footsteps of the country's most famous composer, Jean Sibelius.

And they can pay homage to the great man at a special monument created in his honour and made entirely from 527 steel tubes in Sibelius Park.

The Finns were not sure if tourists would understand the symbolic values of the piece, so they installed a life-like mural of the composer too.

And, as a quirky reminder that the city is built on granite, visit the Rock Church, blasted from solid rock face, with its space age, 'flying saucer' roof.

Tourist tip: Visit the harbour side market for good value souvenirs.

Best buys: Glassware, wood carvings, woollen sweaters. Currency: Euros - all major credit cards accepted.

For something really different, stroll along LITHUANIA'S 'Sahara Desert,' a huge sand dune that forms a stunning lagoon.

The country, with brilliant beaches along the Baltic Sea, is one of the major harvesting sites for amber, made from ancient tree resin and now prized as jewellery.

However, walk through the unique entrance to Mizgiri's Amber Gallery at Nira and you can sample a drink made with pure spirit steeped in pieces of amber, reckoned to contain special health-generating properties.

Klaipeda, with some lovely old town aspects, is gateway to peaceful forests and beautiful seaside villages, crowded with brightly-coloured wooden houses, dotted along the Coronian Spit, dividing the sea from a huge lagoon.

Tourist tips: Watch out for fake amber - the real stuff floats, say experts.

Vilnius, the country's capital, takes the mantle of European Capital of Culture next year, and promises an exciting calendar of events.

Best buys: Amber, linen, wood sculpture and seashells.

TALLINN, Estonia's fairytale capital with

TRAVEL FACTS

Ken Bennett sailed to the Baltic, Germany and Denmark on a12-daytrip as guest of Fred Olsen on the Boudicca.

Next year, Fred Olsen are offering exciting options visiting some of the Baltic ports-highlighted here-travelling from Dover.

A14-night break on Braemar,September20returning October4,cruising the Kiel Canal, Stockholm, Helsinki, St Petersburg, Tallinn, Klaipeda, Ronne (Bornholm, Denmark),Warnemunde and Copenhagen.

Prices start from pounds 1,472, including all food, accommodation on board and port taxes.

The company's flagship, Balmoral, offers three 12-night trips from Dover visiting Copenhagen, Stockholm, Tallinn, St Petersburg, Helsinki, Travemunde, cruising the Kiel Canal.

On July 5 - 17, 2009, the trip costs from pounds 1,442; August 16-28, from pounds 1,409,and September 14-28, from pounds 1,295.

Oryou can travel on Boudicca from Leith, Scotland,on July 11-23 to Helsingborg, Helsinki, StPetersburg, Tallinn, Travemunde,and Copenhagen from pounds 1,442.

Black Watch offers a 13-night cruise, May31-June 13, departing Dover, to Kiel Canal, Klaipeda, a two-night stay in St Petersburg, Helsinki, Szczecin (Poland), Copenhagen from pounds 1,551.

All prices areperperson in an inside twin cabin.

Further information and reservations visit:www.fredolsencruises.co.uk, orcall Fred. Olsen:01473 742424oryour local ABTA travel agent. round towers and red pantiled roofs, is a shining tourist star of the emerging Baltic states.

Narrow cobbled streets wind through imposing walls of the old town which is packed with souvenir, clothes shops and natty bars and restaurants.

Public transport is free for visitors who have city's all-in-one Tallinn Card. The card helps visitors interested in sightseeing and culture enjoy a comfortable and memorable stay.

Further information: www.tallinncard.ee

CAPTION(S):

EYE-CATCHING: The Lutheran Church in Senate Square, Helsinki; GLORIES: Peterhof, St Petersberg conceived by Peter the Great to rival Versailles in its wondrous splendour