The US ambassador to Italy, Tilman Fertitta, was greeted by several hundred demonstrators as he arrived in Venice on Friday aboard his luxury superyacht.
Fertitta's yacht, which is 117 meters long (384 feet) and worth an estimated $450 million (€393 million), loomed over historic buildings lining the lagoon.
Police boats patrolled the surrounding waters, while riot police guarded waterfront access points.
Around 300 protesters joined the rally in the city's historic center, carrying signs reading "Fertitta must go," "Make America Go Away," "Venice must not be used" and "No space for billionaires."
Police prevented the protesters from approaching the yacht, and tensions briefly escalated. Demonstrators proceeded to yell "Shame!" at the ambassador, the city's mayor and police officers.An ambassadorial yacht tour across Italy
