Skopje is the capital and largest city of the Republic of Macedonia. It is the country's political, cultural, economic, and academic center. Skopje is located on the upper course of the Vardar River, and is located on a major north-south Balkan route between Belgrade and Athens. It was known in the Roman period under the name Scupi.

The territory of Skopje has been inhabited since at least 4000 BC; remains of Neolithic settlements have been found within the old Kale Fortress that overlooks the modern city centre. On the eve of the 1st century AD, the settlement was seized by the Romans and became a military camp. When the Roman Empire was divided into eastern and western halves in 395 AD, Scupi came under Byzantine rule from Constantinople.

Being the capital of the Republic of Macedonia, Skopje is home to the largest cultural institutions of the country, such as the National and University Library "St. Kliment of Ohrid", the Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts, the National Theatre, the National Philarmonic Orchestra and the Macedonian Opera and Ballet. Among the local institutions are the Brothers Miladinov Library which has more than a million documents, the Cultural Information Centre which manages festivals, exhibitions and concerts, and the House of Culture Kočo Racin which is dedicated to contemporary art and young talents.

The Skopje Jazz Festival has been held annually in October since 1981. It is part of the European Jazz Network and the European Forum of World Wide Festivals. The artists' profiles include fusion, acid jazz, Latin jazz, smooth jazz, and avant-garde jazz. Ray Charles, Tito Puente, Gotan Project, Al Di Meola, Youssou N'Dour, among others, have performed at the festival. Another music festival in Skopje is the Blues and Soul Festival. It is a relatively new event in the Macedonian cultural scene that occurs every summer in early July. Past guests include Larry Coryell, Mick Taylor & the All-Stars Blues Band, Candy Dulfer & Funky Stuff, João Bosco, The Temptations, Tolo Marton Trio, Blues Wire, and Phil Guy.

Niš is the 3rd largest city in Serbia and the administrative center of the Nišava District in southern Serbia. Nis Airport Constantine the Great is located 4 km northwest of the center city. The biggest tourist attractions in Nis are Nis Fortress, an archeological site from the late Roman period called “Mediana” and Skull Tower. Nis is famous for its rich cultural heritage and history.

The main bus station Niš is located in the street of February 12^th Bulevar, near the green market and Nis Fortress. From the city of Nis is away for about 10 minutes of walk. Bus station belongs to the second category of stations. It has many facilities: kiosk, telephone booths, ATMs, restaurants, cafes, exchange office, bathroom, and cloakroom. There are 18 covered platforms. Near the bus station, there are hotels "Grand Hotel Niš," "The Regent Club," "SOLE," and hostels "Sweet," "Happy" and "Sponsor."

Considering that the bus company "Nis Express" operates a bus station, at the box office can be bought tickets only for the departure of this company. Bus tickets for departures of other bus companies can be bought in their offices, which are located near the main bus station.

Service price is not unique because it depends on the destination, that is planned mileage.

Directly next to the bus station pass city lines 3, 9, 12, and 34 (circle line). Line 34 reaches the Main Railroad Station (direction A) and the Airport (the direction B). The center of Nis can be reached by line 3.

Important information:

Bus station Niš

Address: Bulevar 12th Februar bb

Telephone number for information: +381 (0) 18 255 177, +381 (0) 18 255 666

E-mail: marketing@nis-ekspres.rs

Web site: www.nis-ekspres.rs