Tilman Fertitta, the US ambassador to Italy, arrived in Venice aboard his 117-meter superyacht on Friday as part of the Freedom 250 Coastal Diplomacy Tour. Approximately 300 protesters gathered in the historic center with signs opposing the ambassador and US presence, while police kept demonstrators from approaching the vessel. Fertitta, who has Sicilian heritage, is scheduled to attend the Festa del Redentore festival on Saturday.