Obama's time in Europe will include visits to London, Ireland, and France. (Creative Commons)

Obama's time in Ireland was primarily ceremonial--he met with the prime minister and spent time paying homage to his Irish heritage.

Upon arrival in London, the president visited Buckingham palace, where he and first lady Michelle Obama exchanged gifts with Queen Elizabeth, and met briefly with British Prime Minister David Cameron.

Tomorrow the president will address parliament and meet for an extended period with Cameron, in hopes of strengthening relations between the two countries.

Obama and Cameron are expected to discuss points of tension including the NATO-led strikes in Libya.

From London, Obama will join a meeting of the Group of Eight world powers in Deauville, France, to discuss Mideast considerations including finances and allied involvement in developing countries.

After the Group of 8 meeting, the six-day tour will wrap up in Poland.

Obama took time out Tuesday to send his condolences to the U.S. states ravaged by tornadoes this weekend. His first stop back in the States will be to visit the town of Joplin, Missouri, where record tornado-fatalities were recorded this weekend.

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