I am going to Athens for several days in mid October and I am nearly finished planning it, except there's a few questions I would like to ask and hope you can assist. We plan to DIY all the way through and not go on tour
1) For Meteora, we don't intend to go by tour and for DIY, from what I am aware of, you need to purchase train ticket on this website i.e.
https://tickets.hellenictrain.gr/dromologia/?lang=en
However, when I clicked on the above, I tend to find very difficult navigating because at the top of the screen i.e. where it says trip finder, and just below it, when I try to click the location and type from where to where for the location I intend to purchase, I am unable to choose it. Do you guys have any problems? Also they are in greek too, I am unable to turn it into english other than in homepage. A bit frustrating here.
2) We intend to hike Meteora the next morning and visit few Monasteries (mainly is for outdoor though) as we will take the 5pm back to Athens. In that case, how many hours do you recommend to go for and what time to start? I know the tour has like 4 hours and we want to take our time. So if we start at 8am and then come back to catch the train before 5pm, would it be too early? Or starting at 10am and conclude by 4pm will be sufficient etc
3) I heard that DIY hike can be a bit difficult (not the slope) but rather the direction? Or it is easy to hike if we follow the Google map?
4) We intend to take the 1st class return and I heard the view is beautiful. So if we are heading to Kalambaka, is seating on the left hand side better? (on the way back does not matter as it will be dark by then when we return back to Athens)
Your answer will be greatly appreciated
Kind regards